Lagatar24 Desk
Islamabad, June 21: Pakistan is again in the limelight as it bans the celebration of Holi across the Universities, one of the most ancient Hindu festivals which is not only celebrated in India but has made its place outside India as well. This decision came after a video went viral showing students celebrating the festival of Holi at Islamabad University. The reason stated to ‘save the image of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan’.
On Tuesday, the country’s Higher Education Commission issued a notification, and said in it, “It was sad to witness activities that portray a complete disconnect from our sociocultural values and an erosion of the country’s Islamic identity”. “While there is no denying the fact that cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity leads towards an inclusive and tolerant society that profoundly respects all faiths and creeds; albeit it needs to be done in a measured manner without going overboard”, the notice read.
Consequently, the commission advised all Higher Education Institutions to withhold from participating in activities that are “obviously incompatible with the country’s identity and societal values”.
This notification by the country’s Higher Education Commission has once again blazed the debate surrounding Pakistan’s ‘discriminatory’ approach towards its minorities, an issue which has been time and again raised by the Indian Government.
