The Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education has banned professors and administrative staff below grade four from using smartphones at universities, citing concerns that mobile phone use “causes distraction and complicates work.”

A document obtained by Afghanistan International shows that the decision was approved by the ministry’s leadership council. It also directs senior professors and staff ranked above grade three to “gradually reduce” their smartphone use.

The directive states: “The Leadership Council has decided that no students are allowed to use smartphones inside universities. Administrative employees working at the ministry’s headquarters, universities, and higher education institutions in grade four and below are not permitted to use smartphones during official hours and must not bring them to the workplace.”

The Taliban have previously expressed opposition to smartphones. About a year ago, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada instructed the group’s religious council in Kandahar to find a “Sharia-based solution” to restrict their use.

Sources say Akhundzada’s stance is aimed at silencing dissent, curbing criticism, and preventing what the group describes as “immoral speech.” The Taliban leader has also voiced opposition to the internet and digital communications.

On 29 September, Akhundzada ordered a nationwide shutdown of telecommunications and internet services, cutting Afghanistan off from the world for more than 48 hours. The blackout, which drew strong domestic and international criticism, paralysed key sectors including banking, customs, airports, and money transfer services before access was restored on 1 October.