The Taliban Bans Women in Laghman from Using Smartphones

Following previous restrictions on Afghan women’s right to education, work, and other fundamental freedoms, the Taliban has now banned women in Laghman province from carrying or using smartphones in public.

A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that this ban has been enforced by the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice for the past two weeks. As part of the implementation, searches of women and girls for smartphones has begun in city areas and markets.

The source added that during Friday prayers, Taliban officials strongly emphasized that men should not allow their wives to take smartphones to the market. The use of phones equipped with cameras by women has also been specifically banned.

According to the source, these searches have caused widespread anxiety among women and girls, leaving a negative impact on their mental well-being.

The source further noted that in recent days, patrols and public surveillance by the Ministry’s officers has increased in Mehtarlam, the provincial capital of Laghman.

Another source confirmed that not only is women prohibited from using or bringing smartphones into the city, but the Taliban has also started searching the smartphones of ordinary citizens, regardless of gender.

The source said that such arbitrary restrictions has made life increasingly difficult for people and stripped them of their personal freedoms. Many are being harassed under various pretexts.

According to the source, the crackdown on women’s use of smartphones, along with the inspection of men’s phones, has intensified in recent weeks. Fear of Taliban harassment has grown to the point where many people are now afraid to carry their smartphones outside their homes.

The source also reported that Taliban officials has beaten some young men who refused to let them inspect their personal smartphones. This search campaign has now extended beyond Mehtarlam to district markets as well, raising concern among the general public.

Since returning to power on August 15, 2021, the Taliban has issued dozens of decrees restricting women’s rights, depriving Afghan women and girls of their most basic freedoms.