World ( The cow news digital ) Afghanistan has reportedly imposed a ban on the use of smartphones for government employees and members of the armed forces while on duty, according to multiple local accounts and international media reports.
Under the new directive, officials and military personnel are no longer permitted to bring smartphones into government offices. The decision, which came into effect this week, has already forced several departments to adjust their communication systems, with some officials reportedly reverting to basic mobile phone calls instead of internet-based messaging applications such as WhatsApp.
According to reports published by The New York Times, the order was issued through Afghanistan’s Supreme Court, although no official reason has been publicly provided for the restriction. The lack of clarity has raised questions among observers regarding the motivations behind the policy.
Government representatives have largely declined to comment on the development. However, the implementation of the ban has been confirmed by multiple individuals across at least five provinces, including government employees, police personnel, and education sector staff.
A communications officer in Daikundi province, Khalid Ahmad Fazli, stated that instructions had been received and enforcement was already underway. Similar confirmations were reported by other unnamed provincial officials and a spokesperson linked to the Supreme Court.
Reports suggest that the enforcement of the policy is strict. An unverified directive circulating online indicates that any violation of the ban could result in smartphones being confiscated and potentially destroyed, along with disciplinary action against offenders.
The move has created operational challenges for several government departments, particularly those that had increasingly relied on smartphone-based communication for coordination and administrative tasks. Officials are now reportedly seeking alternative methods to maintain internal communication networks.
Analysts note that Afghanistan has previously taken steps to limit digital communication tools in sensitive institutions, citing security concerns and the need to control information flow. However, this latest restriction appears broader in scope, affecting both civilian government offices and military structures simultaneously.
While the full rationale behind the decision remains unclear, the policy highlights ongoing shifts in Afghanistan’s administrative and security practices, particularly regarding technology use in official environments.
Observers say the long-term impact of the ban will depend on how effectively institutions can adapt to non-digital communication systems and whether further restrictions are introduced in the future.
