Telecom services in Kabul shut down for security during Ashura

KABUL (TOLOnews): Telecommunication services have stopped in many areas of Kabul city, causing a public outcry as mobile phones are not working.
The Afghanistan Telecom Regulator Authority (ATRA) said that the decision was made in order to provide security in the city.
Telecommunication services were stopped in many parts of Kabul city for the past two days, according to the residents, who said they were struggling while trying to contact their family members and friends to know of their whereabouts.
“The sim cards are not working since an hour ago. I am facing a lot of problems. I am waiting here myself. It has been around one hour that the sim cards are not working and I can’t make contact to solve my problem,” a Kabul resident said.
“It has been two days that our sim cards are not working. We are facing problems with internet and Facebook contacts. Everyone is shocked with what happened and the reason for it,” a Kabul resident said.
The Afghanistan Telecom Regulator Authority (ATRA) said that the decision was made to provide proper security in the city.
“As in many other Islamic countries, today is celebrated by our Shia citizens via special ceremonies. To provide proper security, the ATRA and Ministry of Telecommunication ordered the telecommunication companies to halt telecommunication services,” said Ali Shuhab, head of ATRA.
The decision was made as Kabul has recently seen a series of blasts. On Friday a blast occurred in Sar-e-Kariz area of Kabul. On Saturday another blast happened in the Pul-e-Sokhta area of Kabul. Then there was a blast on Sunday evening in the Pul-e-Asmayi area of Kabul.