ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Oct 1, (AP): The Taleban government on Wednesday rejected reports of a nationwide internet ban in Afghanistan, saying old fiber optic cables are worn out and are being replaced. The announcement was the Taliban's first public statement on a communications blackout that has disrupted banking, commerce and aviation.

Several provinces last month confirmed an internet shutdown because of a decree from the Taleban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada to combat immorality. "There is nothing like the rumors being spread that we have imposed a ban on the internet," Taleban officials said in a three-line statement shared in a WhatsApp chat group with Pakistani journalists.

The statement, which also was posted on social media platform X, cited Taleban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid saying ongoing nationwide disruptions were the result of "decaying fiber optic infrastructure” that is now being replaced.