The Taliban regime has ordered a nationwide ban on the use of smartphones by civil servants in Afghanistan, foreign media reports.
All military and civilian officials, including judges, have been banned from using mobile phones since June 16, and those who violate the order will have their phones destroyed and face legal action.
Government officials say the ban has severely disrupted administrative processes, as most official work is done via mobile phones, WhatsApp and email.
Human rights activists say smartphones have become an important tool for Afghans to learn, access information and communicate, and that the ban could lead to serious problems in the future.