ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — The Taliban 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 Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada to combat immorality.

“There is nothing like the rumors being spread that we have imposed a ban on the internet," Taliban 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 Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid say

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