‘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During a national assembly session today, the NA speaker condemned the ban and ordered it immediately withdrawn.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. “