HEC bans Holi in Pakistani universities. You heard it right, the Higher Education Commission has taken action against the celebration of Holi.
They have advised all the universities to keep their distance from celebrating the Hindu festival of Holi on campuses.
Over the past few years, we all have witnessed that Pakistani universities have been indulged in the celebration of Holi and students arrange such parties.
Recently a Holi celebration was held at Quaid-e-Azam University which sparked anger among the netizens.
HEC released a letter in which they stated a single thing regarding their new order.
HEC Bans Holi Celebration In Universities
This act came after the QAU incident, the letter dated June 20th addressed to all the institutions of Pakistan. HEC said, “The 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.”
In the letter written by Dr. Shaista Sohail, the executive director of the HEC, she said that: “Unfortunately, it is sad to witness activities that portray a complete disconnect from our sociocultural values and an erosion of the country’s Islamic identity. One such instance that has caused concern was the fervor exhibited in making the Hindu festival of Holi.”
“This widely reported/publicized event from the platform of a university has caused concern and has disadvantageously affected the country’s image,” the letter added.
Cybercitizens’ Reaction Over The Ban
Soon the letter circulated all over social media, activists jumped to react over the ban on the Holi celebration. They have demanded to take action against the HEC management.
“May I demand the resignation of her [Dr. Shaista] as her order is against the fundamental rights of citizens,” commented Ejaz Ali.
Welcome to Pakistan where our ancient Holi festival is banned in universities. HEC has issued an announcement after students celebrated Holi.
— Veengas (@VeengasJ) June 21, 2023
Islamabad must understand that Holi/Diwali is part of the Sindhi culture —Islamabad neither accepts our Sindhi language nor does it honor… pic.twitter.com/LOWkOAYLcg
Sindh journalist Veengas said that “Islamabad must understand that Holi/Diwali is part of the Sindhi culture —Islamabad neither accepts our Sindhi language nor does it honor the Hindu festivals.”
HEC should be concerned about the dismal state of education in the country. Our universities are not even ranked in the top 1000. Yet, HEC is more worried about students celebrating Holi. Such misplaced priorities are the reason for the intellectual/moral decay we see in society.
— Ammar Ali Jan (@ammaralijan) June 21, 2023
Activist Ammar Ali Jan said that “HEC should be concerned about the dismal state of education in the country. Our universities are not even ranked in the top 1000.”
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