It recommended higher education institutions to avoid such actions, which it described as "incompatible with Pakistan's identity."
Digital Desk: Pakistan has outlawed the celebration of
Holi and other Hindu festivals in its educational institutions in order to
preserve the country's Islamic identity, which it claims is
"eroding." The instruction to prohibit the celebration of Holi and other
Hindu festivals was issued after a video of students celebrating the event at
an Islamabad university surfaced on social media.
The notification was issued by the Higher Education Commission in
Islamabad in response to "activities that portray a complete disconnect
from our sociocultural values and erosion of the country's Islamic
identity."
The video, titled "Holi celebrations at Quaid-I-Azam
University Islamabad, Pakistan," was posted on YouTube. "Biggest Holi
celebration in Pakistan," depicted hundreds of Quaid-i-Azam University
students dancing and celebrating the Holi festival on a campus ground in
Islamabad. The Mehran Students' Council organized the event.
"One
such instance that has raised concerns is the fervour displayed in
commemorating the Hindu festival of Holi." "This widely
reported/publicized event from a university platform has caused concern and has
negatively impacted the country's image," the warning stated.
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"While there is no denying that cultural, ethnic, and
religious diversity leads to an inclusive and tolerant society that profoundly
respects all faiths and creeds, it must be done in a measured and non-excessive
manner." "Students must be made aware of self-serving vested
interests who use them for their own ends, far from the altruistic critical
thinking paradigm," it added.
It recommended higher
education institutions to avoid such actions, which it described as
"incompatible with Pakistan's identity."
"With this in mind,
it is advised that the HEls prudently distance themselves from all such obviously
incompatible activities as are 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, as
well as identifying, creating, and fostering avenues for extra-curricular
activities and rational discourse," the notice read.
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