Taliban 'working' on education for girls

Afghanistan's education ministry is working on a "new procedure" to pave the way for schoolgirls to resume their education, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says.

Currently, girls higher than 6th grade are not allowed to attend school in Afghanistan.

Speaking at a press conference in Kabul, Mujahid said that the new procedure is aimed at safeguarding the educational environment for girls and women as well as their daily commute.

Mujahid hoped they would take care of this "important issue" as soon as possible; however, he said it is not clear when the girls can go back to school.

"We can't give a date now but this issue will be resolved in the near future, God willing," Mujahid said in response to a question by a DPA correspondent.

The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in mid-August but since then girls and women have not been allowed to go to school or return to work, a decision that has been met with harsh opposition inside and outside the country.