KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Local sources in northeastern of the country say that the Taliban’s Department of Education has banned the use of smartphones in schools across the Panjshir province, effective today (Tuesday, June 16).
According to the sources, the department communicated the order to district education offices, which in turn relayed it to school principals and administrators through WhatsApp groups.
Based on information provided by the sources, the Taliban’s education authorities stated that teachers, staff members, and students are not permitted to use smartphones during either official working hours or non-working hours.
Meanwhile, the Taliban’s Department of Public Health in central-western of the country has also banned the use of smartphones in government offices and health centers across Ghor province, effective Tuesday.
In a statement, the department said the decision was made in accordance with a resolution adopted during an administrative meeting in Ghor and a directive issued by the Taliban’s military court.
The statement warned that “any violation of this guidance will be considered a breach of the orders and directives of the competent authorities, and legal action will be taken against violators in accordance with applicable regulations.”
The measures follow a recent report, indicated that Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued a verbal order banning smartphones for members of the group and government employees. A directive sent to Taliban military courts stated that violators would be treated as “criminals” and referred to military courts for punishment.
Since the issuance of the order, Taliban members in several provinces have shared videos showing themselves destroying their smartphones as a sign of compliance with the directive.
In addition, the Taliban’s Department of Education in Maidan Wardak has instructed employees, teachers, and students in the province to refrain from using smartphones during both official and non-official hours.
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.
