Afghanistan (MNN) — Afghanistan is back online after a 48-hour Internet shutdown by Taliban authorities. Officials provided no reason for this week’s blackout, which grounded flights, halted commerce, and restricted access to emergency services.

Todd Nettleton with The Voice of the Martyrs USA says, “Even sat (satellite) phones had troubles working inside the country. Ministries are scrambling to figure out, ‘Okay, how are we going to hear from our partners?’”

People had no means of communication with each other or the outside world, and they had no idea how long the blackout would last. Unfortunately, the shutdown also restricted the only avenue of hope for many people.

(Photo courtesy of FMI)

Diplomatic and industry sources told Reuters that Taliban authorities ordered communication services to be shut down, citing morality concerns.

“They said, ‘We’re shutting down the Internet to prevent immorality.’ Well, what would be listed under immorality? In their minds, Christian content from the Internet would be considered immoral for their idea of following Islam,” Nettleton says.

“One of the things it definitely affects is Christian materials – online evangelism, social media evangelism, discipleship – that happens over an Internet connection.”

Thankfully, the Taliban restored connectivity after two days, but the shutdown sets a disconcerting precedent. Pray that Afghans will turn to Christ for peace and reassurance.

“The average Afghan looks at the Taliban, looks at the oppression and says, ‘Well, if that’s what it means to be a good Muslim, I’m not sure I want to be a good Muslim,’” Nettleton says.

“That plants some questions in the heart to say, ‘Okay, well, if I’m not a good Muslim, then what should I be?’ The Gospel has answers to those questions.”

Partner with VOM here to provide practical and spiritual support to Christians in Afghanistan. Pray for the protection of Christian leaders and believers who are being targeted by the Taliban.

 

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Joel Heard/Unsplash.