Islamabad: Pakistan has banned Holi celebrations in educational institutions across the country after videos of students celebrating the festival of colours at an Islamabad university went viral.
The country’s Higher Education Commission of Pakistan issued a notice on June 20 saying 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 notice stated.
“It is sad to witness activities that portray a complete disconnect from our social values and an erosion of the country’s Islamic identity,” it said.
“Foregoing in view, it is advised that the HEls 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,” the statement added.
The event at Quaid-i-Azam University was organised by Mehran Students’ Council, a non-political cultural organisation of the university.
In the videos, which claim ‘biggest Holi celebration in Pakistan’, hundreds of students are seen freaking out and enjoying the festival of colours. Watch videos posted on Twitter:
Holi celebrations in Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad Pakistan 🍁
Biggest holi celebration in Pakistan 💓 pic.twitter.com/xdBXwYEglt— QAU News (@NewsQau) June 13, 2023
Holi celebrations Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad 🖤 🥀#QAU_ISLAMABAD #holi #holi2023 pic.twitter.com/CHVkY5NL1m
— QAU News (@NewsQau) June 19, 2023
Three months ago, at least 15 Hindu students were injured in clashes with members of a radical Islamic student organisation who stopped them from celebrating Holi at the Punjab University premises.
