On Saturday, a Taliban-organized assembly of thousands of male religious and ethnic leaders concluded by requesting foreign countries to formally recognize their authority, but there were no indications of a shift in Western demands, such as the opening of girls’ secondary schools.

The Afghan economy has collapsed as Western nations withdrew assistance and imposed tight sanctions, claiming that the Taliban regime must alter direction on human rights, particularly those of women.

The Taliban backtracked on a pledge that all schools will reopen in March, leaving many girls in tears and garnering condemnation from Western nations.

A few participants mentioned girls’ and women’s education in speeches broadcast on state-run television. Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s deputy commander and interior minister, stated that the world had sought inclusive government and education, and that these issues would take time.

However, the group’s ultimate commander, Haibatullah Akhundzada, who is usually stationed in the southern city of Kandahar and seldom appears in public, has stated that outsiders should not issue instructions.

The final declaration of the conference stated that defense of the Islamic Emirate was essential and that the Islamic State militant organization, which has claimed responsibility for multiple assaults in the nation, was unlawful.

It said it would not interfere with neighboring countries and they should not interfere in Afghanistan.