Islamabad: Higher Education Commission (HEC) has imposed ban on celebration of Holi festivals in all universities across Pakistan.

Decision follows recent Holi celebration held by students at Quaid-i-Azam University on June 12, which gained significant attention after videos from event went viral.

In an official notification, HEC expressed its concern over activities that took place during Holi festival, describing them as complete detachment from sociocultural values of Pakistan and threat to country's 'Islamic identity'.

"While there is no denying 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 measured manner without going overboard."

Students need to be apprised to be aware of self-serving vested interests who use them for their own ends far from altruistic critical thinking paradigm," notification read.

Commission advised students to refrain from conducting such events.