Indus University Karachi recently faced backlash after throwing a welcome party for new students on October 19, which also marked the inauguration of their new campus. The event stirred controversy due to its “Illuminati” and “Satanic” theme, leaving many questioning the varsity’s choice.
The party’s decor was what sparked the outrage. Photos and videos circulating on social media showed students taking pictures with the infamous “all-seeing eye” of the Illuminati, while images of Baphomet, often linked to Satanism, were projected in the background. Adding more fuel to the fire, a neon sign that read “Satan is happy with your progress” was spotted at the event, causing even more concern among people who saw it as crossing a line.

The Indus University welcome party didn’t sit well with many, with accusations flying around about the institution promoting occultism and satanism. Some believed it was an ill-thought attempt to be edgy, but it rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. Amid the uproar, the university stepped forward to apologize, clarifying that the controversial elements were not intentional but rather due to oversight.

In their official response, Indus University stated that a third-party vendor handled the event decor, and while the university shares responsibility for the incident, it wasn’t meant to be offensive. They admitted it was a mistake, and the varsity expressed regret for the neon Illuminati sign and the statement, promising to be more careful in the future.

The Indus University welcome party ended up making waves for all the wrong reasons, serving as a reminder that some themes are better left out of campus events.