With February 14 still a month away, a university in Faisalabad has rekindled public debate by announcing plans to celebrate 'Sisters' Day' as an alternate to Valentine's Day.
According to Zafar Iqbal, the vice-chancellor of Faisalabad Agricultural University, 'Sisters' Day' has been conceived with the aim of promoting respect for women.
“Unlike in the West, our religious values encourage respect for women and guarantee protection of their rights,” Iqbal said at a university event last week.
Two years in a row: IHC bans airing Valentine's Day celebrations
He underscored the need to create a safe environment for women to avail educational opportunities with freedom.
"Despite living in an Islamic society, our daughters yearn for protection,” he said.
The university's announcement is the latest in what has become an annual cycle of controversy over the 'moral correctness' of Valentine’s Day.
As expected, the move has drawn both flak and praise in the public sphere and seems set to gain more attention as February 14 draws closer.
In February last year, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) reinstated its 2017 ban on the promotion or airing of celebrations pertaining to Valentine’s Day.
All broadcast media and distribution services licensees were also advised to “desist from promoting Valentine’s Day”.
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