On Wednesday, the Taliban backtracked on its declaration that girls’ high schools would open, stating they would remain closed until a plan based on Islamic law was made up to reopen them.

Teachers and students from three high schools in Kabul claimed on Wednesday morning that girls had returned to campus with joy, but that they had been ordered to return home. Many pupils were claimed to have gone into tears.

During the Taliban’s last reign in Afghanistan, from 1996 to 2001, they outlawed female education and most forms of work.

The international world has made girls’ education a top priority for any future recognition of the Taliban administration, which assumed power in August after Western forces departed.

After months of limitations on education for high school-aged females, the Ministry of Education said last week that schools for all pupils, including girls, will open across the country on Wednesday.

A Ministry of Education spokeswoman produced a video on Tuesday evening welcoming all students on their return to class.

However, a Ministry of Education notice issued on Wednesday stated that girls’ schools would be closed until a plan was developed in conformity with Islamic law and Afghan culture.

A spokeswoman for the country’s ministry of education did not return calls or mails seeking comment about the situation.

The Taliban are attempting to administer the country according to their view of Islamic law while also gaining access to billions of dollars in aid that the country sorely requires to combat severe poverty and starvation.