Afghans keep close watch as some girls' schools open, then shut

FILE PHOTO - Sahar, 17, an 11th grade secondary school student, helps her sister, Hadia, 10, a 4th grade primary school student, with her homework after school at their home in Kabul, Afghanistan, October 26, 2021. Sahar wants to become an engineer, but, for now at least, has to learn at home as best she can. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra

KABUL (Reuters) - Many Afghans are following news of a reversal in girls' school openings in eastern Paktia province for clues on whether the Taliban will loosen restrictions on girls' education after reneging on a pledge to reopen high schools in March.

Some girls' secondary schools in what is considered a conservative part of the country quietly reopened in recent weeks, and local officials last week acknowledged classes had resumed. News spread quickly through local news reports and social media.