‘Taken out of context’: HEC withdraws order restricting Holi celebrations in universities
Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) on Thursday withdrew its recent order directing higher education
institutions to “distance themselves” from activities “incompatible with the country’s identity and societal values” — an order that
led to much controversy in the country.
The HEC, in its notification, maintained that it respected all religions and faiths, and the celebrations associated with each.
“The Higher Education Commission (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,” the
commission clarified.
Earlier this week, a notification from the commission had earned the body people’s ire.
In a notification issued on Tuesday, the commission spoke about one such “widely reported” and “publicised” instance involving
the fervour exhibited in celebrating Holi from the platform of a university, adding that it had “caused concern and has
disadvantageously affected the country’s image”.
The commission’s order came in the wake of Holi celebrations held at the Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) in Islamabad, which
stirred controversy across the internet, with some commending the show of diversity and others criticising the organisers for
going against Islamic values.
In light of the lash back and the controversy thus created, the HEC has now stated that the previous order was “out of context”.
“The portrayed impression and disseminated connotation that HEC has banned’ celebration of any festivities is out of context to
the spirit of the communication made, as 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,” the statement read.
The notification also added: “Considering that the message inferred from the communication has regrettably led to
misinterpretations, HEC is pleased to withdraw the same.”
During a national assembly session today, the NA speaker condemned the ban and ordered it immediately withdrawn.
Taking to its official Twitter handle, the NA wrote: “While taking notice regarding the ban imposed by HEC on Holi celebration
in educational institutions, NA Speaker cited the Objective Resolution and the Constitution of Pakistan (1973), which
acknowledge the rights of minorities and ensure freedom for all religious sects to practice their religious activities.”
Speaker issued a ruling to reverse the illegal and unconstitutional decision of the HEC, and subsequently, the Parliament will
actively pursue the matter. “
