Lahore university expels students for hugging on campus
Their expulsion, on the other hand, has sparked widespread outrage across the country
Two students were expelled from the University of Lahore in Pakistan after a video of them hugging each other on campus went viral.
A young woman gave a bouquet of roses to a young man in the video, after which the two embraced while a crowd of students cheered them on, reports The Print.
The students had violated Section 9 of the university's General Discipline Rules and Code of Conduct, according to a statement released by the university on Friday.
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Their expulsion, on the other hand, has sparked widespread outrage across the country, with journalists, activists, and the general public condemning the decision on social media.
Jibran Nasir, a lawyer and activist, said in a tweet that in a country where pedophiles are "defended," two consenting adults are unable to publicly express their love.
Another Twitter user noted that the same university had reportedly failed to expel a teacher accused of sexual harassment.
However, Bakhtawar Zardari, the daughter of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, called the incident "ridiculous."
Shehzad Roy, a singer, said that while the country had no problem with violence against women, it was offended by displays of love.
If it offends you so much, boycott all movies that feature love, as one Twitter user suggested.
Nida Kirmani, an activist and scholar, said it's difficult enough to find happiness in Pakistan, and when someone does, the rest of society wants to punish them.
