Afghan Girls' High Schools have Opened Without Government Approval in Eastern Paktia

According to Maulvi Khaliqyar Ahmedzai, head of the Paktia Culture and Information Department, schools were opened a few days ago, after which the principal asked students to return to school. It was also reported that girls' high schools had been opened.

The spokesperson for the Paktia Education Department confirmed the opening of a girls' high school and said that his department was unaware of this. He has written a letter to the National Ministry of Education regarding this.

Maulvi Khaliqyar Ahmedzai said that schools opened a few days ago, taking into account Islam, culture, and traditions, after which the school principal asked students to return to class. It was also reported that girls' high schools had been opened.

The spokesperson for the Paktia Education Department confirmed the opening of girls' high school and said that his department is unaware of it and has written a letter to the National Ministry of Education about it.

In spite of a request for a response, the Education Ministry declined to comment.

Taliban officials backtracked on their promise to open high schools for girls, saying the schools would remain closed until Islamic law was established.

This move by the Taliban authorities was strongly criticized by the international community and diplomatic efforts were also complicated, but some Western countries warned the Taliban authorities that if they did not change their strategy on women's rights, the government will not be recognized nor will their funds be restored.

Women had difficulty working in government offices after the Taliban took over. Not only that, girls' schools were also closed and there were strict restrictions on going out without a burqa. International pressure later forced the Taliban authorities to restore women's rights.