The Taliban government said on Tuesday that girls will be allowed to return to school soon. It announced this decision under intense global pressure but did not indicate when.

In another significant decision, the group also filled up vacant positions in its all-male cabinet.

This weekend, the Taliban had opened up secondary schools for male teachers and students but avoided announcing decisions regarding women educators and girl students.

Talking about girls' education, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, said: "We are finalising things… it will happen as soon as possible".

Despite calls for an inclusive government, the Taliban has resisted the pressure to re-start the women affairs ministry. Instead, a ministry for promoting virtue and preventing vice has been set-up–stunning the world which had been looking for a reformed and liberal Taliban.

Afghan women, who have been apprehensive of the Taliban's rise to power have organised many protests in cities over the last few weeks. Two decades under democratic regimes have opened up a liberal and a benign world before the Afghans, who are now asking for more individual freedom than what Sharia promises.

Women are asking the Taliban to allow them to resume work, withdraw the strict dress code and allow them more rights. The Afghan people, as also the world, are waiting for the Taliban to show a more tolerant and humane face to governance–particularly in their attitude towards girls and women.

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