The Taliban’s expanding restrictions on smartphone use within state institutions under their control are reportedly creating significant disruptions across government workplaces, with employees warning that the ban is slowing administrative processes, limiting communication, and affecting the overall efficiency of public services.
According to reports from employees inside Taliban-controlled government institutions, the enforcement of the smartphone ban has intensified in recent days, with many workers describing the impact as severe. They say routine coordination, urgent communication, and official correspondence have become increasingly difficult, creating major challenges for day-to-day operations.
The Taliban have warned that employees who violate the order will face strict consequences, including confiscation and destruction of their smartphones, arrest, and dismissal from their positions. The directive has now reportedly been implemented across a large number of government institutions.
Most recently, the Taliban’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry instructed employees from grades three to eight that smartphone use inside offices is prohibited, warning that individuals found violating the order could lose their jobs.
One government employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the measure as damaging to workplace morale and efficiency.
“Smartphones have become part of modern life, and many official activities depend on them. Communication, coordination, and sharing information have become much harder. It feels like we are returning to a time before modern communication tools,” the employee said.
The employee further questioned the justification behind the restrictions, arguing that digital platforms remain accessible through computers and that limiting smartphones does not necessarily address concerns over workplace distractions.
Another employee, identified by a pseudonym, said the ban has slowed administrative work significantly.
“Almost everything today depends on technology. Before, official documents and urgent messages could be shared instantly. Now, even simple coordination has become difficult. This decision has created uncertainty among employees,” the employee said.
Reports indicate that the enforcement has extended beyond warnings, with smartphones allegedly confiscated from workers in several institutions and, in some cases, destroyed. The move has also affected the private market, with some shopkeepers reporting declining smartphone sales as customers fear further restrictions.
A smartphone seller in Kabul said the uncertainty has created anxiety among buyers.
“People are worried that restrictions may expand beyond government offices. Many are avoiding purchasing new phones because they do not know what will happen next,” the shopkeeper said.
The restrictions have also reportedly reached academic institutions. The Taliban have announced limitations on smartphone use for university lecturers, staff members, and students. Earlier reports indicated that Kabul University issued instructions prohibiting smartphone possession on campus, creating further concern among students and educators.
Critics argue that the restrictions could have broader consequences for education, access to information, digital communication, and the ability of citizens to document events and report concerns.
Human rights advocates and media figures have expressed concerns that the expansion of such measures could further isolate Afghan society by limiting access to digital tools that are now central to modern education, journalism, research, and public communication.
Sources within Taliban-controlled institutions have previously stated that the order was issued verbally by Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. According to these sources, dozens of smartphones have already been confiscated or destroyed during enforcement operations.
The ban comes at a time when smartphones have become essential tools in educational and professional environments worldwide. Mobile devices are widely used for research, online learning, academic communication, digital resources, and access to information.
International education experts have emphasized the role of mobile technology in modern learning systems, highlighting that smartphones and tablets can support education when integrated responsibly into academic environments.
Observers warn that continued restrictions on digital access could have long-term implications for Afghanistan’s technological development, educational opportunities, and institutional effectiveness.
As enforcement continues, questions remain over how far the restrictions will expand and what impact they may have on Afghanistan’s already limited digital and administrative infrastructure.
