Local sources in Maidan Wardak province say the Taliban have also prohibited teachers and employees of the provincial Department of Education from using smartphones, both during and outside official working hours.
A source told media outlets that the directive will take effect on Wednesday, 17 June, coinciding with the beginning of the new lunar year.
According to an audio message sent by an employee of the Maidan Wardak Education Department to school administrators, Taliban officials confirmed the smartphone ban during a district-level meeting. The message stated that the use of smartphones has been prohibited under all circumstances, both during official duty hours and in personal time.
The official conveying the directive warned that any employee found using a smartphone in violation of the order would be referred to a military court. Staff members were urged to comply with the directive to avoid potential consequences.
Approximately two weeks ago, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued a verbal order instructing both military personnel and civilian government employees to refrain from using smartphones.
Meanwhile, images showing the collection and destruction of smartphones belonging to some Taliban members have circulated on social media.
Reports from several provinces also indicate that government employees and teachers have been instructed to surrender their smartphones to their respective workplaces to ensure compliance with the directive.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
