The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has retracted its earlier notification that forbade the organization of ‘Holi’ celebrations in universities, as confirmed by Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Rana Tanveer Hussain, during a session of the National Assembly on Thursday.
In response to points of order raised by lawmakers Ramesh Lal and Kesoo Mal Kheeal Das, Minister Hussain expressed his serious concern over the notification and revealed that it had been withdrawn early in the morning.
He emphasized that the HEC should refrain from issuing such letters, stating that every religion’s followers in Pakistan, as per the principles of Quaid-e-Azam and the Constitution, were free to practice their religious rituals.
The minister further highlighted the contrast with India, where Muslims faced restrictions in offering Eid prayers, whereas non-Muslims in Pakistan enjoyed complete freedom.
Ramesh Lal and Kesoo Mal had earlier drawn attention to the HEC’s notification against Holi celebrations in universities, urging its immediate withdrawal.
Following the widespread criticism it received across the country, the HEC released a statement later in the day, retracting the letter that expressed objections to the celebration of Holi at a university.
Dr. Shaista Sohail, the executive director of the HEC, had issued the controversial letter. However, Salman Sufi, head of the Prime Minister’s Strategic Reforms Unit, clarified that Education Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain had instructed the HEC to withdraw the letter.
According to the HEC’s statement, it highly respects all religions, faiths, and associated festivals and celebrations observed in the country. The HEC acknowledged that the message in its previous communication had been subject to misinterpretation and clarified that it did not intend to hurt the sentiments of any individual or group. The HEC emphasized that its main focus for higher education institutions in the country is academic excellence, research quality, and fostering responsible citizens aligned with the nation’s ideology. Consequently, the HEC announced the withdrawal of the notification.
