Surprise Taliban U-turn sees schools remain shut for girls beyond year seven

The latest setback for girls’ education is certain to receive widespread condemnation from the international community that has been urging the Taliban leaders to open schools and give women their right to public space.

Afghan girls students attend school classes in a primary school in Kabul. File picture: AP Photo/Rahmat Gul

The hardline leadership of Afghanistan’s new rulers has decided against opening schools to girls beyond year seven, a Taliban official said.