Watch: Holi Celebrations at Pakistani University in Islamabad

Holi, the Indian festival of colours was celebrated on the campus of Quaid-i-Azam University in Pakistan’s Islamabad on June 12.

This Holi celebration was organized by the Mehran Students’ Council, a non-political cultural organisation of the university. An official page for news of the university posted a video and said,“Holi celebrations in Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan. Biggest Holi celebration in Pakistan.”

Holi celebrations in Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad Pakistan 🍁
Biggest holi celebration in Pakistan 💓 pic.twitter.com/xdBXwYEglt

— QAU News (@NewsQau) June 13, 2023

On May 18, the registrar’s office in the university issued a notice saying “no cultural event or festival can be held without the formal approval of the university administration.”

Responding to the notice, the Quaid-i-Azam University Admission Cell issued a statement on their Facebook account saying, “Cultural diversity is something very unique in QAU and cultural performances are key to represent own culture. In the whole subcontinent, only two universities, one from India and QAU from Pakistan are known for freedom of speech, expression and tolerance. Attack on cultural performances or any attempt to ban such activities will lead to further anger and hatred. Raid or any other action by guards or police will always be condemned. Dancing in the name of culture is far better than killing in the name of religion.”