Members of PRSF joined the Holi celebrations at Quaid-e-Azam University on June 12. Photo: Twitter@ProgStudentsFed
Sun 16 July 2023:
Quaid-i-Azam University in Pakistan’s Islamabad issued a show-cause notice to students for celebrating the Hindu festival of Holi, without taking prior permission, Dawn reported on July 14.
The news comes a month after Pakistan’s education minister, Rana Tanveer Hussain, had asked the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to withdraw a notification objecting to the celebration of Holi at a university.
The notification was issued on June 20 by HEC executive director Shaista Sohail to vice chancellors and heads of institutions.
The show-cause notice was issued to Quaid-i-Azam University students on July 12, Dawn reported.
It said the students on June 12 from 3 pm to 8 pm were reported to have been involved in celebrating, organising and participating in the festival without prior permission and approval of the university or its event management committee.
Holi celebrations in Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad Pakistan 🍁
Biggest holi celebration in Pakistan 💓 pic.twitter.com/xdBXwYEglt— QAU News (@NewsQau) June 13, 2023
“Despite advice/instructions by the university security staff, you refused to stop playing loud music and forcefully continue this function which caused unpleasant/uncomfortable environment for others,” the notice read, as per the report.
The University directed the students to appear before the disciplinary committee on July 18 at 12:30 pm along with a written response to the accusations against them.
Failure to appear before the committee would be construed as they have nothing to say and a decision would be taken as per the evidence available to it, the report said.
The notice cautioned that the students could be subjected to various penalties and punishments, including fines, cancellation of hostel accommodation, revocation of financial benefits and concessions, suspension of admission, a ban on entry for a specified period, cancellation of examination results, suspension for a specific duration, and expulsion.
-The Wire
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