Pakistan: Ban on Holi and Hindu festivals at varsities campus
"Such activities portray a complete disconnect from the country's socio-cultural values and are an erosion of the country's Islamic identity," its notice read
Islamabad, (Pakistan)/Chandigarh, June 21: The Pakistan Higher Education Commission (HEC) has issued a ban on Holi celebrations and other Hindu festivals in universities across the country. This decision comes in the wake of a recent incident at Quaid-i-Azam University, where students enthusiastically celebrated Holi on June 12, leading to videos of the event going viral.
In an official notice, the HEC cited the need to uphold "sociocultural values" as the reason behind the ban on Holi and similar festivities. The commission expressed concerns that such activities demonstrated a detachment from the country's Islamic identity and cultural ethos.
While recognising the importance of cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity in fostering an inclusive and tolerant society, the notice emphasised the necessity of conducting these celebrations in a measured manner.
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It cautioned students against being manipulated by self-serving individuals with ulterior motives, who may exploit their enthusiasm for purposes contrary to the principles of critical thinking and social harmony.
The HEC specifically referenced the Holi celebrations at Quaid-i-Azam University, expressing apprehension that the event had a detrimental impact on the country's image. Encouraging a shift in focus toward academic pursuits, intellectual debates, and cognitive learning, the commission urged universities to prioritise these areas while also creating avenues for extracurricular activities and rational discourse.
Earlier this month, videos circulated widely on social media showing students at Quaid-i-Azam University participating in Holi festivities, playing with vibrant colors and reveling in the celebration. The event was organized by the Mehran Students' Council, a non-political cultural organization within the university.
This ban follows another controversial incident in March, where radical members of an Islamic student organization prevented Hindu students from observing Holi at the Punjab University. The clash resulted in injuries to at least 15 Hindu students, sparking concerns about religious intolerance and the need for safeguarding the rights of minority communities in Pakistan.
The HEC's decision to ban Holi celebrations on campuses has generated mixed reactions within the country. Supporters of the ban argue that it upholds the country's Islamic identity and prevents the erosion of sociocultural values, while critics contend that it stifles religious freedom and inhibits interfaith harmony.
As the controversy unfolds, questions regarding cultural expression, diversity, and religious inclusivity continue to shape the discourse surrounding higher education institutions in Pakistan.
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