Afghanistan: Girls’ high schools reopen in country’s eastern Paktia province 

 Authorities in Afghanistan’s eastern province of Paktia said girls’ high schools had opened in recent days.

Most girls’ secondary schools in Afghanistan have been closed since the Taliban took over in August 2021 after the group made a sudden U-turn on promises to open them in March.

 “The schools have opened some days ago, the rules about Islam, culture and customs are observed, the principal of schools asked the students to come back to school and the girls’ high schools are open,” said head of Paktia’s culture and information department.

 In March, the Taliban backtracked on their announcement that high schools would open for girls later that month.

 The move drew condemnation from the international community, complicating diplomatic efforts.

Some Western governments have said they will not recognize the Taliban’s administration and restore aid unless they change track on women’s rights.