Taliban in Balkh Ban Government Employees from Using Smartphones Even at Home

Local sources in Balkh province report that the Taliban have banned government employees from using smartphones even at home and outside offices. Violations lead to confiscation, destruction of devices, and referral to military courts. The order applies to all salary recipients from the Taliban regime.

The ban is being monitored by the Military Court and Directorate for Pursuing Decrees. Local sources indicate that the directive is comprehensive and leaves no room for exemptions.

Reports suggest that the measure is part of broader efforts to control the use of technology among those employed by the regime. Employees are expected to comply fully with the restrictions both during and after working hours.

In cases where the ban is breached, the smartphones are confiscated and broken. The violators are then referred to the military courts for processing.

The Directorate for Pursuing Decrees and Orders is tasked with ensuring that the order is enforced across the relevant departments. This includes regular checks and monitoring activities.

Similar smartphone bans have been reported in other institutions under Taliban control. In Khost, schools have seen forced phone-breaking as part of the enforcement.