ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has withdrawn the notification of banning Holi in Pakistani Universities after receiving severe criticism by people of Pakistan.
Earlier, the HEC had banned Holi celebrations across all educational institutes saying that such activities portray a complete disconnect from the Country’s sociocultural values and are an erosion of the Country’s Islamic identity.
In a notification issued on Thursday, the Commission clarified that the HEC is highly respectful of all religions, faiths, and beliefs, and the associated festivals and celebrations observed in the Country.
“The message communicated in this regard is in no way intended to hurt the sentiments of any individual or group,” said the notification.
It said that the portrayed impression and disseminated connotation that that HEC has ‘banned’ celebration of any festivities is out of context to the spirit of the communication made, as the HEC has emphasized upon the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Country to focus upon the core reason of their existence i.e., academic excellence, research quality and harnessing the talent of the youth towards a structured, disciplined, and responsible citizen as per the nation’s ideology.
“Considering that the message inferred from the communication has regrettably led to misinterpretations, the HEC is pleased to withdraw the same,” read the notification.
