By Hareer Hashim
Imagine waking up and realizing you can’t reach your family—not because of distance, but because an entire country has been cut off.
Afghanistan in Silence: When Connection Becomes Survival
Afghanistan in Silence: When Connection Becomes Survival
Afghanistan in Silence.
In recent days, the Taliban have shut down internet and communications across Afghanistan—plunging millions into isolation.
For me, this is deeply personal. I haven’t been able to reach my family and loved ones. Each day begins with fear and uncertainty, not knowing if they are safe. This silence is unbearable—it is more than a “connectivity issue.” It is about human connection, dignity, and survival.
But it is also a global issue. Communication is not a luxury—it is a lifeline. Cutting it off means denying families safety updates, restricting humanitarian coordination, and deliberately silencing an entire population.
I urge governments, international organizations/community, and tech companies to:
- Condemn this blatant violation of rights.
- Explore urgent solutions to restore access, whether through satellite, regional infrastructure, or emergency channels.
- Center Afghan voices in global forums—because right now, Afghans are being erased in silence.
This blackout is another form of control and violence against an already suffering population. Please keep Afghanistan in your hearts and on your platforms. Speak up. Amplify. Refuse to let silence erase us.
Hareer Hashim
Hareer Hashim is a human rights advocate and social programming professional based in Canada, with extensive experience in project and stakeholder management. She has represented Afghanistan at national and international forums, including the European Parliament and the UNHCR, and has led teams, organized conferences, and advanced women’s empowerment through capacity-building initiatives. She holds a degree in International Relations from the American University in Dubai and currently serves as Project Coordinator with the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom–Afghanistan section.