The Afghan Ministry of Education (MoE) has made a U-turn on the ban it imposed last week on schoolgirls over the age of 12 from singing in public.

On Wednesday, the MoE confirmed that schoolgirls over the age of 12 were with immediate effect banned from singing the national anthem or other group songs in public.

The decision immediately drew strong opposition from the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, social media users and others.

The rights watchdog said the ban was in violation of Afghan laws, the Constitution, and child rights.

But on Saturday, the MoE did a U-turn and said in a statement that the letter had been issued by the Kabul Education Department and “does not reflect the stance of the Ministry of Education.”

The statement noted that the issue was still under review and the ministry would oppose the department’s suggestion.

The MoE also stated that its leadership remained committed to supporting the right of all students, including girls, to participate in cultural, arts and sports events.

The controversial letter last week stated that the ban would apply to all government and private schools.

Women in particular slammed the decision, saying that sensitive decisions especially relating to gender should not be taken by educational institutions.

But the Ministry of Education said last week the decision was made following an order from the National Assembly and at the suggestion of families.

“According to the order of the Ministry of Education, all public and private schools should organize singing groups for female students so that their members are girls under 12 years old,” one official said.

Najiba Arian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, confirmed the ban at the time and said the decision was made following complaints by families due to the “heavy load of studies on the shoulders of the students in high school and middle school”.

The principals of schools were also warned that they will face legal action if they break the rules.