Lead

Afghanistan's Taliban government has ordered a nationwide ban on smartphone use by civil servants, a move that has already disrupted official work and prompted warnings from rights activists about further restrictions on access to information.

The ban, which takes effect in mid-June, applies to all employees of military and civilian institutions, including judges, according to an order seen by Reuters and a letter circulated on social media under the emblem of the Supreme Court. The exact start date varies by source: Reuters reports June 16, while Dawn, citing the letter, reports June 17.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting from Dawn and The Hindu offers complementary details. Dawn, a Pakistani outlet, focuses on the implementation of the ban, noting that government workers in various provinces have begun switching off their smartphones and that exemptions can only be granted by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. The Hindu, an Indian newspaper, emphasizes the restrictive nature of the measure and its impact on access to information, citing rights activists who warn of tightening control over public life.

Both sources agree on the core facts: the ban is nationwide, targets civil servants, and has already caused disruptions. The Hindu adds that violators will have their cellphones smashed and face punishment under the law, a detail also present in the full text of the order seen by Reuters.

Key Claims

  • The Taliban government has ordered a nationwide ban on smartphone use by civil servants, effective June 16 or 17 depending on the source.
  • The order was issued by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, according to Dawn, and exemptions can only be granted by him.
  • Violators will have their cellphones smashed and face punishment under the law, as stated in the order.
  • The ban has already disrupted official work, with a government employee telling Reuters that many administrative processes have effectively come to a halt because most work was previously done via mobile phones, WhatsApp, and email.
  • Rights activists warn that the move could further restrict access to information, as smartphones are one of the few tools Afghans use for education, documenting abuses, and private communication.

Perspectives

The Taliban administration has not responded to requests for comment from Reuters or Dawn, despite multiple attempts. Government employees, speaking anonymously, have expressed concern about the disruption to their work.

Rights advocates, including women's rights activist Sanam Kabiri, argue that smartphones are essential for accessing uncensored information and that the ban marks another step in the Taliban's tightening control over public life since returning to power in August 2021. They point to prior restrictions on women, media, and civil society.

Provincial authorities, such as the governor of Panjshir, have announced immediate implementation of the ban within their offices, indicating a swift enforcement across regions.

As of the time of reporting, some central government departments were still using WhatsApp to publish information, but compliance appears to be spreading, with employees in Ghazni province signing off from their smartphones the evening before the ban took effect.