The Afghan education ministry says it is investigating a recent statement from the director of education in the capital, Kabul

The statement allegedly bans girls older than 12 from singing in public.

The ban was widely criticised on social media. Girls shared clips of themselves singing using the hashtag #IAmMySong.

The row comes amid concerns about consequences of a possible peace deal with the Taliban.

Under the Taliban, girls were denied an education and most music was banned.

The Kabul statement banned girls 12 years and older from singing at school functions, and also banned older girls from having male music teachers.

The education ministry says it does not reflect its own position. It says it will assess it and may take disciplinary action.