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Pakistan reverses decision to ban Holi celebrations in universities

Last week it banned campus celebrations of Holi on the grounds it was an ‘erosion of the country’s Islamic identity’

Pakistan reverses decision to ban Holi celebrations in universities
Pramod Thomas
By Pramod ThomasJun 27, 2023
Pramod Thomas
Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
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EDUCATION officials in Pakistan have withdrawn an order that banned university students from celebrating the festival of Holi after the original notice sparked outrage on social media.

The Higher Education Commission last Tuesday (20) banned campus celebrations of Holi on the grounds it was an "erosion of the country's Islamic identity", after videos appeared on social media showing groups of youngsters dousing each other with coloured powder.

The order said the scenes "caused concern and has disadvantageously affected the country’s image".

Salman Sufi, an aide to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, said the minister of education had taken "stern notice" of the original ban.

"Religious harmony is to be celebrated rather than deterred... We must bring cohesion rather than division in our society," he tweeted.

In last Thursday's (22) new order, the education commission said its earlier notification "regrettably led to misinterpretation" and was withdrawn.

"It was truly perplexing to witness a bureaucratic order holding the constitution hostage, which guarantees the freedom of religion," said Kapil Dev, a Hindu rights activist.

"The withdrawal of the misguided notification is a welcome decision, although it should not have been issued in the first place," he said.

In the past, Pakistan has prohibited Valentine's Day celebrations, banned contraception adverts on TV, and blocked several social media networks, citing them as immoral and contradictory to Islamic values.

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