A measure prohibiting the use of "smart phones" by civil servants in Afghanistan began to apply from today, at the initiative of the Taliban government.

"A verbal decree of the Islamic Emirate was read and notified to all department heads that as of today no Taliban agency official is allowed to use a smartphone," a Badahsan Province official (northeast) told the French News Agency (northeast) who did not want to reveal his name for security reasons.

Last week, a circular in this direction, attributed to the Supreme Court, was released on social media, but this body did not want to make a statement to AFP.

Afghan Officials Ditch Smartphones After Taliban-Imposed Ban Sparks Disruption

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The text stipulated that "all department heads are required to inform the staff of each tier that the use of smartphones has been strictly prohibited since 17 June".

It was clarified that the measure applies to both political and military forces and that only the supreme leader Haibatullah Akhunjada could foresee exceptions.

The measure, the reasons for which have not been explained, have not been officially published and two Afghan government representatives have not responded to requests from the French Agency to comment on this.

However, Irfan Antarh, an official of Ghazni Province's Mining and Oil Directorate, near Kabul, confirmed that the measure came into effect.

"It was decided that from today, the use of smartphones within all Gazni province offices is prohibited," he wrote to a group of WhatsApp, who came to the knowledge of AFP.

However, this afternoon local time, various state institutions continued to publish information on WhatsApp, the French Agency found.

The use of "smart phones" is particularly widespread in Afghan cities, including until now in the public sector.

A Gazny municipal official confirmed that he was warned that the use of a smartphone could be punished by dismissal and criminal prosecution.

The sentence foreseen is six months in prison, according to Badahsan Province official.

Since assuming power in August 2021, Taliban authorities have been ruling in accordance with a strict interpretation of Islamic law.