KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban leader, has issued a verbal order banning the use of smartphones by members of the group and government employees.
According to a directive sent by the Taliban’s Department for Monitoring and Following Up on Decrees and Orders to the group’s military courts in the country’s eight zones, and obtained by KabulNow, individuals who violate the order will be considered “criminals” and referred to military courts.
According to the directive, the Taliban leader issued the order during a meeting with the heads of military courts, police chiefs, and intelligence chiefs of the group in the country’s eight zones.
The directive states that the heads of the Taliban’s military courts in the eight zones are responsible for taking the necessary measures to implement the order and reporting on its enforcement to the office of Hibatullah Akhundzada.
The Taliban’s Department for Monitoring and Following Up on Decrees and Orders has also sent a form to the group’s military courts for recording the measures taken in this regard and submitting them to the office of the Taliban leader.
Following the issuance of the order, a video was also circulated showing a Taliban member destroying his smartphone.
It has also been reported that the police chief of Barmal district in Paktika province and 14 personnel under his command have destroyed their smartphones.
The Taliban had previously banned the use of smartphones by their members in certain areas, including Panjshir.
The latest order appears to be part of broader efforts by the Taliban leadership to tighten internal discipline and control the flow of information among its members. Restrictions on smartphone use have previously been linked to concerns over security, information leaks, and the dissemination of unauthorized content through social media and messaging applications.
Restrictions on smartphone use could further isolate Afghanistan from the rest of the world at a time when the country is already facing significant political and economic challenges. Smartphones have become essential tools for communication, access to information, education, and professional development.
Limiting their use among government employees and security personnel may reduce exposure to new ideas, technological developments, and international trends, potentially widening the gap between Afghanistan and other countries that are increasingly integrating digital technologies into governance and public services.
The move may also be seen as part of a broader trend of restricting access to information and modern technology. Policies discouraging the use of digital tools could hinder technological progress and digital literacy, both of which are important for economic growth and development.
In a world where smartphones are central to education, business, banking, and communication, limiting their use could contribute to a more isolated environment and make it harder for Afghanistan to participate in the global digital economy.
