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Key Points

Internet service has been partially restored for key government departments in Afghanistan's Kandahar province. The restoration comes after a week-long shutdown that affected several provinces. In other news, 18 new school buildings have been opened in Paktia province to improve local education. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's growing iron industry is highlighted as a major employer and a sign of economic progress.

Key Points: Afghanistan Restores Internet in Kandahar After Week-Long Shutdown

  • Internet restored for banks and ID card offices in Kandahar after a week
  • Shutdown initially cited to check immoral activities across several provinces
  • 18 new school buildings completed in Paktia province to enhance education
  • Afghanistan's iron industry employs 20,000 and achieves self-sufficiency
2 min read

Internet restored in Afghanistan's Kandahar

Internet returns to Afghan government offices in Kandahar after a suspension for "immoral activities" checks, as new schools and iron industry growth are reported.

"Point-to-point internet has been restored for some government offices... to enable them to run their daily work smoothly - Mullah Noorullah Nuri"

Kabul, Sep 22

After nearly one week of internet deactivation, authorities have restored internet for some government departments in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province, provincial director for communication Mullah Noorullah Nuri said Monday.

Point-to-point internet has been restored for some government offices, including banks, customs, and the Directorate for National ID Cards, to enable them to run their daily work smoothly, the official said.

Last Wednesday, local media reported that fibre optic services had been suspended in several provinces, including the northern Balkh, Baghlan, Takhar, Kunduz, and the southern Kandahar, on the grounds of checking "immoral activities."

Meanwhile, in another development, the construction of 18 school buildings has been completed and put into use in eastern Afghanistan's Paktia province, providing enhanced educational facilities for local communities, the country's Ministry of Economy announced Monday.

Funded by the Asia Community Development Organisation at a cost of nearly 196 million afghani (over 2.9 million US dollars), the projects have been implemented in Gardez, the provincial capital, and surrounding districts, according to the ministry.

The Ministry of Education has also ramped up access initiatives, establishing 472 community-based classes in neighbouring Logar province on Saturday to educate nearly 17,000 previously deprived children at the primary level, reports Xinhua news agency.

Additionally, the Afghan government also continues to encourage domestic and foreign investments to combat poverty, create job opportunities, and bolster economic independence.

Last week, Abdul Nasir Reshtia, the chairman of the iron-smelting union, announced that a total of 45 major iron-smelting plants are operational in Afghanistan, with over 500 million US dollars invested in the sector, achieving full self-sufficiency.

He highlighted the industry's growth, noting that nearly 20,000 Afghans are directly employed, with another 50,000 benefiting indirectly through related jobs.

Over the past year, the country exported 210,000 tons of iron to Turkmenistan and Pakistan, underscoring its emerging role in regional trade, Reshtia had noted.

According to the official report, around 6,000 industrial factories are active nationwide, driving Afghanistan to full self-sufficiency in 130 sectors and partial self-sufficiency in another 100.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The "immoral activities" reason for internet shutdown sounds concerning. While development projects are good, basic freedoms matter too. Hope they find a balanced approach.
A
Arjun K
Afghanistan achieving self-sufficiency in 130 sectors is remarkable! The iron industry creating 70,000 jobs shows what economic development can do. India should explore more trade partnerships with them.
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Sarah B
Education initiatives for 17,000 children is heartwarming. Every child deserves access to schooling. Hope this brings stability and progress to the region.
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Vikram M
As someone who works in tech, internet shutdowns for weeks are devastating for economy and education. They should prioritize keeping connectivity stable while addressing security concerns.
M
Michael C
The economic progress is encouraging. $500M investment in iron industry and exports to neighboring countries shows Afghanistan's potential. Hope this leads to more stability in the region.
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Ananya R
Mixed feelings about this news. While development projects are good, internet restrictions worry me. Education and internet access should go hand in hand for modern development. 🤔

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