The Higher Education Commission (HEC) on Thursday issued a notification announcing that it was revoking its recent directive ordering higher education institutions to “distance themselves” from actions that were “incompatible with the country’s identity and societal values.”
The HEC’s statement comes in response to the widespread criticism received nationwide after its executive director, Dr Shaista Sohail, issued a letter taking exception to the celebration of the festival in a university.
Later in the day, Salman Sufi, the head of the Prime Minister’s Strategic Reforms Unit, clarified that Education Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain had instructed the HEC to retract its controversial letter.
In a notification today, the HEC maintained that it respected all religions and faiths, clarifying: “The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is highly respectful of all religions, faiths, and beliefs, and the associated festivals and celebrations observed in the country.
“The message communicated in this regard is in no way intended to hurt the sentiments of any individual or group.”
