Tag: universties

  • No Holi festival in universities anymore

    The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has banned Holi celebrations in educational institutes throughout the country, citing a deviation from the sociocultural values and Islamic identity of Pakistan. The notification regarding the ban was issued by HEC on Tuesday.

    According to the notification, students are prohibited from observing the festival to uphold sociocultural values.

    “While there is no denying the fact that cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity leads towards an inclusive and tolerant society, that profoundly respects all faiths and creeds; albeit it needs to be done so in a measured manner without going overboard. The students need to be apprised to be aware of the self-serving vested interests who use them for their own ends far from the altruistic critical thinking paradigm.”

    The decision comes a few days after Holi celebrations were held on June 12 by students at Quaid-i-Azam University. The notification, while referring to the event, said that “it has caused concern and has disadvantageously affected the country’s image.

  • Smog chutis: Punjab closes schools three days a week in Lahore

    Smog chutis: Punjab closes schools three days a week in Lahore

    The Punjab Government has ordered closure of schools of the provincial capital for three days a week amid increasing air pollution.

    The notification of three day weekly holiday was issued by School Education Department (SED). Sundays will count as the third holiday.

    “In compliance with the directions of Hon’ble Lahore High Court, Lahore, in Writ Petition No. 227807/ 2018 vide order dated 02-12-2022, it is notified that owing to prevailing SMOG condition, all Public & Private Schools in District Lahore shall remain closed on every Friday & Saturday, in addition to the weekly holiday on Sunday till further orders,” stated the notification.

    Additionally, it was stated that during school closures, the chief executive officer of the District Education Authority (DEA), Lahore, along with the relevant heads, would oversee the distribution of homework to pupils.

    Pakistan’s biggest cities have ranked among the most polluted in the world for the past week. Lahore, the capital of the province has been ranked as the metropolis with the most polluted air thrice in the past one week.