Taliban Official in Badakhshan Breaks Smartphone Following Leader’s Orders
A Taliban official in Badakhshan province released a video showing himself breaking his smartphone, declaring that he did so “for the satisfaction of God” and in obedience to the directive of Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada. He called on all employees of the administration to destroy their smartphones and ban their use even inside their homes.
Identified as a well-known cleric, the man claimed, “The corruption found in these phones is like no other.” He emphasized that obedience to the Taliban leader’s commands is mandatory for all members and must be implemented in practice.
This action comes amid the Taliban administration’s increasingly strict restrictions on access to information, media, and communication devices in recent years—a move criticized by free speech advocates and citizens alike, who view it as a violation of fundamental rights.
At the same time, some observers note a decline in the influence of non-Pashtun figures within the Taliban’s power structure and report that authority is becoming more concentrated among individuals close to the group’s leader. Nevertheless, some members continue to promote and enforce the leader’s directives in efforts to maintain their positions.
The release of the video sparked widespread reactions on social media. Some users described the act as “performative,” suggesting such displays are primarily intended to attract attention and demonstrate loyalty to the leader’s inner circle.
