Diplomats say the reaction to the ban on female education is complicating efforts to gain formal recognition of the Taliban-led administration and lift sanctions that have been stifling the economy.
Large-scale protests have become rare in Afghanistan since the Taliban took over the country, as they are often forcefully put down by security agencies. The scattered protests are a sign of discontent arising from the Taliban’s policy.
In recent days, there has been a heavy security presence in the Afghan capital, including gatherings at universities.