Afghan civil servants banned from using smartphones by Taliban decree

In a move aimed at tightening control and potentially limiting communication, the leader of the Taliban movement, Haibatullah Akhundzada, has issued a decree prohibiting government employees and members of the movement from using smartphones. The directive, reported by Afghanistan International, signals a further restriction on personal technology within the administration.

The enforcement of this ban is placed under the purview of special military courts and security agencies. Individuals found in violation of the decree risk being classified as "offenders" and subsequently brought before a military court. This measure underscores the Taliban's emphasis on strict adherence to its directives.

According to available information, the Ministry of Justice has formally communicated the decree to the heads of military courts across eight territorial zones within the country. Additionally, police station chiefs and heads of security services have been briefed on the new directives. To ensure comprehensive oversight, a dedicated registry has been established.

This registry requires the recording of each employee's name, position, workplace, contact details, and phone numbers. Officials are mandated to confirm that all personnel under their supervision have been duly informed of the smartphone ban. This initiative follows a previous prohibition on university lecturers using smartphones during working hours, indicating a broader trend of technological restrictions.