Pakistan Bans Holi Celebration In Universities

After clips of people playing the Hindu festival 'Holi' at Quaid-i-Azam University went viral, Pakistan's Higher Education Commission (HEC) has reportedly banned Holi celebrations in universities.

The Higher Education Commission issued a notification highlighting its 'role' in transforming youth, who "uphold the cultural and moral values of Islam". It said that students are forbidden to follow this festival in order to adhere to "sociocultural values".

"While there is no denying the fact that cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity leads towards an inclusive and tolerant society that profoundly respects all faiths and creeds; albeit it needs to be done so in a measured manner without going overboard. The students need to be apprised to be aware of the self-serving vested interests who use them for their own ends far from the altruistic critical thinking paradigm," the notification said.

Referring to Holi celebrations at Quaid-i-Azam University, the Commission stated, "This widely reported/publicized event from the platform of a university has caused concern and has disadvantageously affected the country's image."

It urged the students to stay away from such events which are "incompatible with the country's identity and societal values".

"Foregoing in view, it is advised that the HEls (higher education institutions) may prudently distance themselves from all such activities obviously incompatible with the country's identity and societal values, while ensuring that they rigorously engage their students and faculty in academic pursuits, intellectual debates, and cognitive learning besides identifying, creating, and fostering avenues for extra-curricular activities and rational discourse," said the statement.

Reportedly, the event was organised by the Mehran Students' Council, a non-political cultural organisation of the university. The clips of the Holi celebrations from the said university had went viral on June 12.