KABUL: Afghanistan has ordered the suspension of WhatsApp and Telegram to resolve “technical problems”, officials said Saturday, sparking outcry among social media users.

Facebook-owned WhatsApp and Telegram are popular messaging apps among smartphone-using Afghans — including Taliban and Islamic State jihadists. So far state-owned Salaam Network is the only internet provider to obey the order, which applies from November 1 to November 20, telecommunications ministry spokesman Najib Nangyalay told AFP.

“We are testing a new technology and WhatsApp and Telegram will be temporarily blocked,” Nangyalay said.

“It is not a blow to the freedom of communication in Afghanistan — we have access to Facebook, Twitter. We are committed to the freedom of expression.” Acting telecommunications minister Shahzad Aryobee said the move was in response to dissatisfaction with the services.—AFP