A private university in Karachi, located in Sindh province, has faced criticism for issuing show-cause notices to students, primarily from the Hindu community, for celebrating the Holi festival on campus. The matter was highlighted by former parliamentarian Lal Malhi, who shared the notice from Dawood University of Engineering and Technology on social media.

The university clarified that the incident was not recent and dismissed claims that any First Information Reports (FIRs) had been filed against the students. An official explained that the notices were issued because the event was organised without prior approval from the administration, which violated university regulations. "The students have already replied to the notices," the official stated.

Expressing concern over the increasing criminalisation of minority religious practices in Pakistan, Lal Malhi questioned, "Has playing Holi now become a crime? Is playing Holi on a university campus an offence against the State?"

Hindu students have faced obstacles in celebrating Holi earlier. Similar restrictions were imposed in other provinces last year, but the issue was later overlooked.

Student wings of Islamist parties have historically resisted cultural and liberal festivities on college campuses, even when organised by Muslim students, as they regard them as un-Islamic and against societal norms. Viral footage of such celebrations has often led to clashes and violence between student groups.

Hindus, primarily residing in Sindh, have long voiced concerns about discrimination by authorities, highlighting the rising cases of forced conversions and the marriages of Hindu girls to Muslims. The recent controversy has intensified the debate on religious freedom and minority rights in Pakistan.