Taliban Ban Smartphones in All Balkh Government Offices

DID Press: Authorities appointed by the Taliban in northern Balkh province have announced a full ban on the use of smartphones across all civil and military government offices, effective 25 June, according to an official statement.

Balkh governor Mohammad Yusuf Wafa said the decision is based on a directive issued by the military deputy of the group’s Supreme Court. Under the order, employees working in Taliban-controlled institutions will not be permitted to use smartphones during official working hours.

The ban applies to all administrative and security departments in the province, with staff instructed to refrain from using mobile devices while on duty.

Officials have not yet provided further clarification on the rationale behind the restriction or how its enforcement will be monitored. The move comes amid a broader pattern of tightening controls on communication tools and digital access for government employees under Taliban rule.