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HEC withdraws restriction on festivals after criticism

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  • HEC maintains it respects all religions, faiths.
  • Commission says earlier order taken “out of context.”
  • NA speaker slams HEC’s decisions; orders reversal.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) on Thursday issued a notification withdrawing its recent order, directing higher education institutions to “distance themselves” from activities “incompatible with the country’s identity and societal values.”

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.”

Earlier this week, a notification from the commission had earned the body people’s ire.

In a notification issued on Tuesday, the commission spoke about one such “widely reported” and “publicised” instance involving the fervour exhibited in celebrating Holi from the platform of a university, adding that it had “caused concern and has disadvantageously affected the country’s image”.

The commission’s order came in the wake of Holi celebrations held at the Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) in Islamabad, which stirred controversy across the internet, with some commending the show of diversity and others criticising the organisers for going against Islamic values.

In light of the lash back and the controversy thus created, the HEC has now stated that the previous order was “out of context”.

“The portrayed impression and disseminated connotation that HEC has banned’ celebration of any festivities is out of context to the spirit of the communication made, as HEC has emphasized upon the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the country to focus upon the core reason of their existence i.e., academic excellence, research quality and harnessing the talent of the youth towards a structured, disciplined, and responsible citizen as per the nation’s ideology,” the statement read.

The notification also added: “Considering that the message inferred from the communication has regrettably led to misinterpretations, HEC is pleased to withdraw the same.”

During a national assembly session today, the NA speaker condemned the ban and ordered it immediately withdrawn.

Taking to its official Twitter handle, the NA wrote: “While taking notice regarding the ban imposed by HEC on Holi celebration in educational institutions, NA Speaker cited the Objective Resolution and the Constitution of Pakistan (1973), which acknowledge the rights of minorities and ensure freedom for all religious sects to practice their religious activities.”

Speaker issued a ruling to reverse the illegal and unconstitutional decision of the HEC, and subsequently, the Parliament will actively pursue the matter. “

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Over Pakistan, Rain and Snowfall Are Expected Over the Next Three Days

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As a succession of westerly winds sweep into the upper areas of Pakistan, rain is expected to fall during the following three days.

The Meteorological Department forecasts snowfall in mountainous regions and rainfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. There will be rain in Balochistan and the Punjabi plains, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

In addition, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Upper Punjab, Islamabad, and Northeastern Balochistan are scheduled to see strong winds, thunderstorms, and partly overcast weather during the course of the next day.

Since last month, there has been mild to severe haze in some portions of the country’s upper regions. The capital of Punjab, Lahore, as well as cities like Multan and Sialkot, are among the areas most severely impacted by dense fog.

Other regions of the nation will see dry weather in the interim. It is anticipated that most of Punjab will see morning smog and fog, which will eventually dissipate by nightfall.

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Business

Dar chairs the CCOP meeting; Blue World’s bid offer of Rs.10 billion is rejected.

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The Foreign Minister/Deputy Prime Minister chaired the Cabinet Committee on Privatization meeting.

Other committee members who attended the conference included the Federal Secretaries of several Divisions, the Ministers of Finance and Revenue, Industry and Food, Commerce, Power, and Privatization.

The CCOP took the PC Board’s recommendation into consideration and suggested that Blue World’s bid of 10 billion rupees for the sale of 60% of PIACL’s shares be rejected. The bid was rejected by the CCOP, who chose to follow the PC Board’s advice.

The government’s determination to sell out PIACL through government-to-government or privatization was reaffirmed by the CCOP.

The CCOP was pleased with the Aviation Division’s evaluation of PIACL’s sound financial standing.

Additionally, the CCOP established a committee, chaired by the Minister of State for Finance, to assess potential transaction possibilities for the privatization of the Roosevelt Hotel and the appropriate modes of adoption in light of existing legal rules.

Prior to its subsequent meeting, the CCOP also ordered that all difficulties be resolved and an agreement for the selling of services to an international hotel be concluded.

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Combating Terrorism: Twelve Terrorists Destroyed in Separate Operations by Security Forces

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Eleven terrorists and Kharijis were killed in two separate intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Miran Shah District and North Waziristan. One of the victims was Sana Alias Baru, a high-value target.

In the vicinity of Miran Shah in North Waziristan, security forces successfully fought the Khwarij, leading to the death of eight and injury of six.

The general region of Balgatar, Kech District, Balochistan was earlier the scene of an Intelligence-Based Operation that resulted in the deaths of four terrorists, one of them was a high-value target.

Authorities in Kech District were actively seeking Baru, who had a pivotal role in recruiting members of the so-called Majeed Brigade, particularly suicide bombers.

Among the terrorists’ possessions were weapons and ammo.

In order to eradicate any lingering terrorists in the vicinity, a sanitation operation is currently under progress.

With unwavering resolve, the Pakistani security forces will eradicate the terrorist threat from the nation.

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