Some families in Pakistan claimed that they left Afghanistan for the neighboring country in a bid to find educational opportunities for their girls after the Islamic Emirate decided to ban schools for female students in grade 7-12.

The families said that educating their daughters is their priority.

“My sisters have the right to study as I do. It was not possible inside the country, so I left the country,” said Hamad Helal, an Afghan refugee in Pakistan.

“Many Afghans, including me, have been forced to leave the country like me,” said Noor Agha, an Afghan refugee in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, some female students said that they are struggling with mental stress due to the closing of their schools.

“The main lessons are above grade six. If the girls don’t study, they will be illiterate. We call on the Islamic Emirate to reopen the girls’ schools,” said Nilam, a student in grade 11.

“The girls who are at home and don’t study suffer from mental stress,” said Zainab, a student in grade 12.

The officials of the department of education in Nangarhar said that after the Islamic Emirate’s plan to reopen girls schools above grade six was finalized, they would reopen the schools.

“We are waiting for the order of the Ministry of Education and whenever we receive the order, we will share it with you,” said Farhad Stanikzai, a spokesman for Nangarhar department of education.

The schools for female students in grade7-12 have remained closed for more than 400 days. Despite promises by some officials of the caretaker government, the schools have yet to be reopened for the female students.