Sources from Kandahar say that a ban on smartphones in government offices issued by Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada has created serious challenges for journalists’ access to information in the province.
The sources told the Hasht-e Subh Daily on Monday, June 22, that previously, they often received information quickly from government offices or media departments through WhatsApp or other online platforms.
The sources said that journalists are now forced to visit government offices in person to obtain information or look for alternative ways, which has affected the timely publication of news and media activity.
Several journalists and media activists have said that timely access to information is a key principle of journalism, and any restriction on this process affects the speed of news reporting and the public’s right to information.
The use of smartphones in civil and military offices has recently been banned by the Taliban leader.
