The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has issued a notification to all universities in the country to distance themselves from all activities that are incompatible with our sociocultural values. HEC has specifically advised all universities not to hold Holi celebrations throughout the country.
The decision was taken after a video went viral on social media depicting Holi celebrations at Quaid-I-Azam University (QAU) Islamabad.
The original notification/letter of the HEC mentions as under:
Higher Education Institutions (HEIS) are inter alia responsible for the dissemination of knowledge and are essential actors in transforming youth into humane, caring, and cultured individuals, besides creating a workforce that has skill sets in accordance with the prioritized needs of the country and also espouses the cultural and moral values as laid down by our religion. HEIs have an ultimate responsibility to polish and nurture the exuberance of youth into learned, mature, and responsible citizens-ready to take on the reins of the country and play their role in nation-building. The public and private sector HEIs across the country are consequently relied upon to groom our youth into compassionate, discerning, and refined individuals able to walk through life avoiding obvious pitfalls.
HEC being cognizant of its responsibilities as per the mandate laid down in its ordinance has been formulating policies, guiding principles and priorities for the betterment of the Higher Education sector based upon the concepts embodied in our own culture, values, and traditions, thus preserving the nation's ideology. Unfortunately, it is sad to witness activities that portray a complete disconnect from our sociocultural values and an erosion of the country's Islamic identity. One such instance that has caused concern was the fervor exhibited in marking the Hindu festival of Holi. This widely reported/publicized event from the platform of a university has caused concern and has disadvantageously affected the country's image.
While there is no denying the fact that cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity leads toward an inclusive and tolerant society, that profoundly respects all faiths and creeds; albeit it needs to be done so in a measured manner without going overboard. The students need to be apprised to be aware of the self-serving vested interests who use them for their own ends far from the altruistic critical thinking paradigm.
Foregoing in view, it is advised that the HEIs may prudently distance themselves from all such activities obviously 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 besides identifying, creating, and fostering avenues for extra-curricular activities and rational discourse.
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