HEC lifts restriction on festivals after criticism

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The entrance to the HEC building in Islamabad. HECHEC website maintains that it respects all religions, denominations. The Commission says the earlier order was taken “out of context.” reversal of commands.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) issued a notification on Thursday withdrawing its recent ordinance, ordering higher education institutions to “distance themselves” from activities “incompatible with the country’s societal identity and values”.

In a notification today, the HEC affirmed that it respects all religions and faiths, stating: “The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is highly respectful of all religions, faiths and beliefs, as well as festivals and associated celebrations observed in the country.

“The message communicated in this regard is in no way intended to hurt the feelings of any individual or group.”

Earlier this week, a notice from the commission had earned the ire of the popular body.

In a notification issued on Tuesday, the commission referred to one such “widely reported” and “high profile” case involving the fervor shown in celebrating Holi from a university platform, adding that it had “raised concerns and damaged the image of the country”. “.

The commission’s order came following Holi celebrations held at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) in Islamabad, which sparked controversy on the internet, with some praising the spectacle of diversity and others criticizing the organizers for going against Islamic values.

In view of the backlash and the controversy thus created, the HEC has now declared that the previous order was “out of context”.

“The impression portrayed and the connotation disseminated that HEC has prohibited the celebration of any festivities is out of context with respect to the spirit of the communication made, since HEC has insisted on the higher education institutions (HEIs) of the countries to focus on the fundamental reason for their existence, i.e. academic excellence, research quality and harnessing the talent of youth towards a structured, disciplined and responsible citizen according to the ideology of the nation,” the statement read.

The notification also added: “Considering that the message inferred from the communication has unfortunately led to misinterpretations, HEC is pleased to withdraw the same.”

During a session of the National Assembly today, the NA president condemned the ban and ordered it lifted immediately.

Taking to his official Twitter account, the NA wrote, “While taking note of the ban imposed by HEC on the celebration of Holi in educational institutions, the NA President cited the objective resolution and the Constitution of Pakistan (1973), which recognize the rights of minorities and ensure freedom for all religious sects to practice their religious activities”.

The President issued a decision to overturn the illegal and unconstitutional HEC decision, and thereafter Parliament will actively pursue the case. “

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