KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban have banned the use of smartphones by government employees in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces of Khost and Paktia, local officials confirmed, widening a restriction already in force in several other parts of the country.
An official in the Taliban-run Department of Rural Rehabilitation and Development in Khost told KabulNow that employees were informed four days ago that, under orders from the Taliban leadership, they are no longer allowed to use smartphones. Staff have been instructed to hand over their devices to a designated committee, the official said.
The official added that employees were warned they could face punishment or referral to a military court if found in possession of or using smartphones.
In neighboring Paktia province, an official from the Department of Education confirmed the ban covers not only department staff but also school officials, teachers, and students. Some employees have already handed over their devices, according to the official, who noted the measure has created significant operational challenges for the department.
“Now, with this ban, our work can be disrupted and can even be made impossible,” the official said.
The ban follows reports that Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued a verbal directive banning smartphones for members of the group and government employees. A related directive sent to Taliban military courts classified violators as “criminals” to be punished.
The restriction is already in place in several other provinces, including Herat, Kandahar, Maidan Wardak, Ghor, and Panjshir. In a show of compliance, Taliban members in multiple provinces have shared videos of themselves destroying smartphones.
The ban has drawn criticism from journalists, activists and media watchdogs, who say it further restricts access to information and freedom of expression.
The Afghanistan Journalists Centre (AFJC) strongly condemned the ban, describing it as a serious threat to press freedom and access to information.
“Such measures violate the fundamental rights of citizens to seek and receive information—rights protected under international standards and essential for a functioning democracy,” the AFJC said. The group called on the authorities to revoke the restriction and respect the rights of Afghan citizens and journalists.
Naseer Ahmad Faiq, Afghanistan’s acting permanent representative to the United Nations, criticized the move, stating: “While the world is improving people’s lives and creating new opportunities for progress and prosperity through science, technology, and artificial intelligence, the Taliban are depriving the people of Afghanistan of the most basic tools of communication and access to information.”
Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have progressively tightened controls over media outlets, journalists, and information flows. Rights groups and media watchdogs have repeatedly expressed concern that these restrictions are narrowing civic space and limiting Afghans’ access to independent information.
