Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada attempted to block the use of smartphones in Afghanistan before ordering the shutdown of wireless internet, sources told Afghanistan International.
According to the sources, about a year ago in Kandahar, Akhundzada asked the Taliban’s council of clerics to find a “religious justification” for banning smartphones. The aim, they said, was to prevent criticism of the Taliban, halt negative publicity and silence voices the group described as “corrupt.”
A source in Kandahar said the clerics responded that banning smartphones was impossible because millions of dollars had been invested in the sector. They argued the move would cause severe disruption to daily life, commerce and education.
After the council’s refusal, the Taliban began efforts to filter the internet, observers said. But experts note such measures exceed the group’s technical and financial capacity, requiring advanced infrastructure, specialist engineers and significant resources.
About a month ago, a decision was made in Kandahar to cut fibre optic services first, followed by strict limits on mobile internet. The move aimed to prevent people from expressing views freely through global networks and social media, the sources said.
Several Taliban ministers reportedly travelled to Kandahar to warn Akhundzada about the damaging social and economic consequences of an internet shutdown, but he rejected their appeals and insisted on carrying out the plan.
One source said the Taliban leader has now ordered the formation of a new company to provide internet services to government institutions and diplomatic missions. Analysts believe this would both help the Taliban restrict public access to information and create economic benefits for figures close to the leadership.
Experts warn the move will have far-reaching effects, severely impacting daily life. They say it will not only restrict freedom of expression but also harm education, trade, healthcare and Afghanistan’s overall connection with the outside world.
