Entertainment
Nationwide communications blackout hits Afghanistan: report
A huge communications blackout hit Afghanistan on Monday, weeks after Taliban authorities began severing fibre optic connections in multiple provinces to prevent “vice”.
“A nation-wide telecoms blackout is now in effect,” said Netblocks, a watchdog organisation that monitors cybersecurity and internet governance.
“We’re now observing national connectivity at 14% of ordinary levels.”
The watchdog said the incident “appears consistent with the intentional disconnection of service”.
AFP lost contact with its bureau in the capital Kabul around 6:15pm (1315 GMT), including mobile phone service.
Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities began a crackdown on internet access earlier this month, severing connections in multiple provinces.
The move, ordered by Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, effectively shut down high-speed internet in several regions.
Fibre optic internet was completely banned in northern Balkh province on the leader’s orders, provincial spokesman Attaullah Zaid said on September 16.
“This measure was taken to prevent vice, and alternative options will be put in place across the country to meet connectivity needs,” he wrote on social media.
At the time, AFP correspondents reported the same restrictions in the northern provinces of Badakhshan and Takhar, as well as in Kandahar, Helmand, Nangarhar and Uruzgan in the south.
Over the past several weeks, internet connections have been extremely slow or intermittent.
In 2024, Kabul had touted the 9,350-kilometre fibre optic network — largely built by former US-backed governments — as a “priority” to bring the country closer to the rest of the world and lift it out of poverty.
Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban have instituted numerous restrictions.
Entertainment
Fiza Ali extends heartwarming wishes to ex-husband on his second marriage
Actor and host Fiza Ali extended warm greetings to her ex-husband, Fawad Farouq, on his second marriage, and shared her daughter Faraal’s preparations on her official Instagram handle.
The actress wished him happiness and personal growth as he embarks on this new chapter of life.
“Not every story ends with a fight,” Ali wrote on an Instagram reel, showing her daughter happy and getting ready for the wedding.
At first glance, Faraal was spotted sharing her excitement with Farouq, and then the camera reopens on her mehendi-painted hands and formal attire.
Dropping a cute prep clip, the “Mehndi” actress noted: “Life doesn’t always go in one direction; sometimes silence says more than words.”
“Every story doesn’t end in fighting; sometimes the beautiful end is that we deliver positivity, grace, and strength to our children.”
Recalling her past, Ali said her daughter’s preparations for her father’s second marriage remind her that relations and respect could be changed, but “parenting could never be ended”.
The “Mor Mehal” star concluded with heart-warming greetings for her ex-husband, saying that a new chapter of his life will be with full joy and sincerity, may God make our ways easy.
Entertainment
Ron King talks about his mission to protect donkeys, misconceptions and how they bring joy
Entertainment
US revokes over 100,000 visas, targeting tourists, students, workers
In its ongoing anti-immigration move, the US has revoked over 100,000 visas, affecting tourists, international students, and skilled workers.
Marking a substantial uptick from the 40,000 revocations in 2024, the figure reflects stricter enforcement measures under US President Donald Trump’s second term.
Officials from the Trump administration stated that the crackdown is aimed at improving public safety and ensuring compliance with US immigration laws.
“US authorities are increasingly using court and police data to ensure visa holders comply fully with the law,” a State Department official stated.
Who’s affected by ongoing US visa cancellations?
The largest group affected by the current halt in US visa processing comprises those holding B1, B2, and B1/B2 visas, many of whom faced cancellations due to overstays or unauthorised work.
Around 8,000 student visas were revoked, of which nearly 500 were linked to drug offences. 2,500 cancellations impacted skilled professionals, including H-1B visa holders.
The US authorities are also targeting travellers with criminal records, including DUI, assault, theft, fraud, and drug-related offences.
This revocation campaign is part of a stricter policy aimed at improving data-sharing between government agencies.
An executive order signed on Trump’s first day in office allows authorities to cancel visas even after entry. Officials emphasised that visas are privileges, not guarantees, and that even minor violations will no longer be ignored.
Travellers within the US may face deportation, and those abroad are barred from entry. Affected individuals are advised to consult immigration lawyers, review revocation notices, and maintain transparency in future applications.
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