Afghan Govt Staff Abandon Smartphones
Employees in several provinces began switching off devices as officials warned violators could face firing or legal action.
- Starting Wednesday, June 17, Taliban authorities prohibited smartphone use for all military and civilian government employees across Afghanistan, an order attributed to Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada requiring staff to rely on telephone calls and email.
- A directive circulating last week under the Supreme Court's emblem advised department heads to inform staff of the ban effective June 17, stipulating that only the Supreme Leader can grant exemptions.
- Employees noted that smartphones were essential for daily tasks like translating between Dari and Pashto, while a teacher described the decision as "truly heartbreaking," saying "We need apps to stay connected with the students and hear their problems."
- In Ghazni, officials warned of firing and legal action for non-compliance, while an employee in remote Badakhshan stated that violating the rule carries a penalty of six months in prison.
- The Taliban has ruled for nearly five years under a strict interpretation of Islamic law, though the exact scale of implementation remains unclear as some central government departments continued using WhatsApp groups after the deadline.
15 Articles
15 Articles
In Afghanistan, the Taliban have imposed a strict ban on smartphone use by government officials and employees, threatening to have their phones broken and face punishment under Sharia law for those who violate the order.
The Express Tribune
DawnAfghan govt staff abandon smartphones
Government workers in different parts of Afghanistan have started switching off their smartphones, following an order imposed Wednesday that they told AFP came from Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. A letter announcing the ban on smartphones for all government employees started circulating on social media last week under the emblem of the Supreme Court, which has not responded to AFP’s requests to comment. “All the heads of departments in th…
Afghan government officials are no longer allowed to use their smartphones according to an order from the Taliban. Violations are to be punished – however, it is unclear how.
Using a smartphone can be punished with dismissal and criminal prosecution - The penalty provided is six months in prison
The Taliban government has since this Wednesday banned the use of smartphone, or smartphone, to all public employees in Afghanistan. The use of the smartphone could now lead to dismissal, criminal proceedings and a six-month prison sentence, Afghan officials have reported. This restriction includes both civilian and military forces and only the Taliban supreme leader, Hibatula Akhundzada, can grant exceptions. Last week, a press release on this …
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