LANGUAGES

Urdu
1. Why Pakistan Choose Urdu as its national language?
Because of its long History in the subcontinent. Widely used in the Mughal Period,
dating as far back as the sultans of Delhi. Used by the Mughal armies and became
widely spoken and understood all over the subcontinent. Thus, it was natural that such
a well-established, natural language be chosen.

It had a high status in the subcontinent. Many religious books, including the Quran were
translated into it. Thus it was rather important due to its rich literary tradition.It was very
closely associated with the Pakistani Movement. Sir Syed supported it, and the Muslim
League was formed to defend Muslim interests and thus Urdu by extension. The Quaid
was very keen on it, seeing it as a unifying force. Saw it as appropriate to promote a
language that was a unifying force for the people of the subcontinent.

Promotion of Urdu:
Urdu is the medium of the national Media. Since media is well known to everyone, and
everyone watches television, listens to the radio with interest for interest/entertainment,
the language is promoted as more people are exposed to it.

Urdu is the medium of instruction in many schools. Develops interest in students

Urdu is taught up to in different institutions (such as the Urdu university). Thus scholars
research the language and explore different aspects of its poetry and prose,
modernizing it. It is the compulsory subject to pass grade 10 and 12 in educational
institutions. Therefore, the language is promoted as students get familiar with its
literature and grammar.

It is the official language of courts (along with English). Thus promoted as it is frequently
judicial proceedings (Judges in their judgments, lawyers in their arguments) Musharraf
(poetry recitation sessions) are frequently held in Pakistan where poets recite poetry in
front of the public, who appreciate it. This encourages them to write more in Urdu and
are often given awards for their works.

It is the national language of Pakistan and is frequently used in all 4 provinces. Thus it’s
not only a unifying force but also being promoted by people due to their regular use.
Failures of Urdu:
East Pakistan strongly opposed the selection of Urdu as the national language after
independence. As their language, Bengali was spoken by 54% of the total population,
leaving Urdu as a minority. This offended them to a great extent and eventually led to
the creation of Bangladesh. Urdu ended up disintegrating rather than unifying Pakistan.
>In Urban areas people prefer English over Urdu, and thus send their children to
English medium schools for their better future, especially as they’re aware that the civil
service exam is taken in English. Urdu is thus sidelined. In local areas people prefer
their local languages instead of Urdu, Hindering the development of Urdu as many of
them don’t even know it.

Other Languages:

2. Why they’ve been promoted:

Many Languages have played an important role in the history of the subcontinent. An
example of this is Pushto literature, which was important in helping to create opposition
towards the British rule. Thus it is important to preserve this history or future
generations.

Balochi had little development before 1947 and its literature was in decline. The
government felt that It should be kept alive rather than lost forever. They thus sought to
keep it on par with the other languages.

Punjabi:
Books on academic subjects like Law, Medicine, Science, History and Philosophy
published in Punjabi. Thus developed as it’s been used as a means of imparting
education.

The Punjabi University teaches it up to master’s level. Thus the language is promoted
as students and scholars do research in different aspects of its literature, which helps to
modernize the language.

Radio Pakistan in Lahore, plus TV shows. These promote it though dramas and serials
and news. Punjabi theater and films are also widely appreciated by because of their
quality. Thus, by using it as a source of information and entertainment its understanding
has been improved among the masses.
Quran was translated into Punjabi by Muhammad Ali Faiq. Thus promoted on religious
lines as Punjabi Muslims read it with interest.

Punjabi Musharraf (poetry recitation sessions) are also held where poets recite their
poetry in front of public. They are appreciated and it helps the people learn Punjabi.
Poets themselves are also encouraged and are given wards.

Sindhi:
Sindhi literary board was a step towards Sindhi’s development as it published different
books and magazines in Sindhi and Sindhi literary figures like Fakir Nabi Baksh and G.
Allama became well known. Bazm e Talib ul Mawla Publishes books in Sindhi and have
thus become known because of their services towards Sindhi literature.

Sarmast Academy established as tribute to Sindhi poet Sachal Sarmast also promotes
the language, by printing his words and making them available to the common people. It
is a compulsory language subject in schools of Sindh as an alternative to Urdu. It
promotes its importance among the students and fosters their interest in Sindhi as
they’re taught Sindhi literature and Grammar.

Pashto:
Establishment of Peshawar University and the post graduate Pashto literature classes
promote the language and literature among the masses and it is thus more widely
known.

Academy for the promotion of Pashto Literature was set up in 1954 and this prepared a
widely accepted and known dictionairy, helped creating vocabulary and increasing
understanding of Pashto amongst the people.

Balochi:
Broadcasts in Balochi on radio Pakistan Karachi, and Quetta Television help to make it
more important through news, entertainment programmers.

Balochi Literary Association was set up and there are now weekly and monthly
magazines published in the languages under it. Thus, this association promoted Balochi
by encouraging different writers and helping in gaining more resources.

Many notable poet such as Atta Shad and Ishaq Shmin also make Balochi widely
available to the interested people through their works, other writers, such as Gul Khan
Nazir and Azad Jamal Din are also working to promote the Balochi language.