ABSTRACT

The Units explain the efforts undertaken by

Government of Pakistan in order to promote regional
languages along with reasons for Urdu to be Chosen
as national language
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Examiner’s favourite choice for 7 mark Qs
To what extent have Urdu and the regional languages
contributed to the cultural development of Pakistan
since 1947?
 Guide to Survive 2059:Paper 1 Chapter 5: Languages

Past Paper Questions [2002-2023]

Sr Question Year Repetition

7 Marks
1 Explain why Muhammad Ali Jinnah chose Urdu as the national J2021 6
language of Pakistan N2018
OR N2001
Why did Pakistan choose Urdu as its national language? [7]
OR J2004
Why was Urdu chosen as the national language of Pakistan? [7] N2011
J2015
2 Q Why have regional languages been promoted by the Pakistan N2009 2
government since 1947? [7]
OR
Why have regional languages been promoted by the Pakistan J2013
government since 1947? [7]

14 Marks
1 How important was the development of regional languages to N2004 1
Pakistan between 1947 and 1988? Explain your answer. [14]
2 ‘The promotion of regional languages in Pakistan between 1947 and 1988 J2006 5
has been more successful than the promotion of Urdu.’ Do you agree?
Explain your answer. [14]
OR
Sindhi was promoted more than any other regional language between
1947 and 1988’. N2007
Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer. [14]
OR
Has the promotion of Urdu been more successful than that of any
regional language in Pakistan between 1947 and 1988? Explain your
answer. [14]
OR J2009
‘Punjabi has been promoted more than any other Pakistani regional
language between 1947 and 1999.’ Give reasons why you might
agree and disagree with this statement. [14]
OR J2011
How successful has the promotion of the following regional languages
been in Pakistan between 1947 and 1999?:
(i) Punjabi
(ii) Pushto
(iii) Sindhi
Explain your answer with reference to all three of the languages. [14] J2013

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 Guide to Survive 2059:Paper 1 Chapter 5: Languages

4 Marks
1 How has the Pakistan government promoted the development of N2010 1
Balochi since 1947? [4]
2 How has the Pakistan government promoted the development of N2012 1
Punjabi? [4]
3 How has Pakistan promoted the development of Sindhi since 1947? [4] N2013 1

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Guide to Survive 2059:Paper 1 Chapter 5: Languages

Q Why did Pakistan chose Urdu as its national language? [7]

One of the reasons why Urdu became the national language in Pakistan as its
long history it was widely used in Mughal period and date back as far as the
courts of Delhi in its early stages it was used by the Muslim army and became
widely spoken and in many parts of the subcontinent so it was natural that such a
well-known and establish language would be chosen.

Another reason for Urdu to be chosen was its high status some of the finest
early poets such as Amir Khusro wrote in Urdu and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s school
at Aligarh became a Centre for the study of Urdu, many religious books including
Quran were translated into Urdu so it was an important language with a rich
literary tradition.

Perhaps the major reason for Urdu been chosen was the fact that it was
closely associated with Pakistan movement Sir Syed Ahmed Khan supported it
and the Muslim League formed not only formed to protect Muslim interest but also
to protect Urdu. Quaid e Azam was particularly keen to promote Urdu as he saw it
as a unifying force as Pakistan was a new country it was very important to pick a
language which played an important role in unifying Muslims of the subcontinent.

Q Why regional languages are promoted by the government of Pakistan since

1947? [7]

It was felt that literature and work undertaken by authors in such areas as Sindh
should be kept alive and so the government set up bodies to promote it such as
Sindhi literary board in 1948 to add more to the work already undertaken.

Many languages have been playing an important role in the history of the
region for example Pashto literature as an important role in creating opposition to
British rule and the movement for independence. Therefore, it was promoted to
preserve the history for future generations.

Balochi had little development before 1947 and its literature was in decline
however the government wanted that it should be kept alive and not lost forever.
Hence, the language was promoted to bring it at par with other regional
languages.

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Q ‘Punjabi has been promoted more than any other Pakistani regional language
between 1947 and 1999.’ Give reasons why you might agree and disagree with
this statement. [14]

After the creation of Pakistan Punjabi has been developed much as a regional
language, books of on academic subjects like law, philosophy, Science and History
have been published in Punjabi language using it as a mean of imparting education
and so contributed to itsdevelopment.

Punjab University also teaches Punjabi up to M.A, M.Phil and PhD level. Therefore,
the language gets promoted as Scholars do research in different aspects of its
literature which help to modernize the language.

Radio and Television also promoted Punjabi through Dramas and News etc.
Similarly, Punjabi theatre also widely appreciated by the people comedy and
actions. Hence, by using Punjabi as a source of entertainment and information its
understanding has been improved among masses.

Quran’s versified translation by Muhammad Ali Faiq promoted the language

on religious lines as Muslims of Punjab read this unique translation with more interest.

Punjabi Mushairas (Poetry recitation sessions) are frequently held in where poets
recite their poetry in front of Public who appreciate their poetry which encourage
them to write more in punjabi.They are motivated even further as sometimes they
are even given awards for their work.
However, Sindhi, Balochi & Pashto have also been promoted.

Setting up of Sindhi literary board was a step towards Sindh ‘s development as it

published different books and magazines in Sindhi and many pronounced literary
figures like Faqir Nabi Baksh and G Allana became known of their services to Sindhi
literature.

The Sarmast academy which has established as a tribute to the great Sindhi poet
Sachal Sarmast also promoted the language by printing his works and making them
available to common Sindhis.

The Institute of Sidhology at University of Sindh, Jamshoro aims to publish research

papers in Sindhi which promoted the language as scholars research in the language
and n different aspects of its literature which help to modernize the language.

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Sindhi is used as an alternate to Urdu in many schools this promotes its importance
among the students and fosters their interest in Sindhi language as they are taught
Sindhi literature and grammar as a compulsory language subject.

Pashto is taught up to M.A level in Peshawar University, KPK. This promotes Pashto
language as Scholars do research in the literature and explore different aspects of its
poetry and prose which helps to modernize the language.

The academy for promotion of Pashto literature was set up in 1954 and this
prepared a widely accepted Pashto dictionary which created more understanding
of this language by improving Pashto vocabulary among thepeople.

The Balochi literary Association was set up, monthly magazine published in the
language such as OMAN and OLAS comparing two of them. Thus, this association
promote equality by encouraging different writers and helping in gaining more
readers.

Many notable poets and writers such as Ata Shad, Ishaq Shamim and others are
also making Balochi widely available to the interested people through their writings
increasing the knowledge of the languages among masses.

Q How has the Pakistan government promoted the development of Balochi since

1947? [4]
Radio Pakistan Karachi broadcasts in Balochi, Balochi Literary Association set up,
weekly and monthly magazines published, Quetta TV station, development of
Balochi literature, writers and poets e.g. Atta Shad, Ishq Shamin, Gul Khan Nazir and
Azad Jamal Din.
Q How has the Pakistan government promoted the development of Punjabi? [4]
Punjabi is the local language of the Punjab. It was a popular language amongst the
Sufi poets who used it for their romantic folk poetry- contributed to the popularity of
Punjabi. After Independence, steps were taken for the promotion and development
of the language in other parts of the province. The Government have ensured its
development by giving support to those institutions that are using it. Radio, TV and
film promoting classical and folk literature as a result. Punjabi theatre popular

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Q How has Pakistan promoted the development of Sindhi since 1947? [4]

Goes back to 12th Century, 1948 Sindhi Literary Board set up. Folk literature books
written, 1954 Bazm- e-Talib-ul-Muala set up, Sarmast academy established in memory of
Sachal Sarmast, Sindhiology department set up at Sindh University Jamshoro. After riots
of 1972 government guaranteed special importance of the language

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Possible Content/Additional Factors

Q To what extent Pakistan been able to promote Urdu between 1947 and
1999’ Explain your answer. [10]

When Urdu was made the national language, after independence, the East
Pakistan strongly protested as Bengali their language was spoken by 54 of the
entire population whereas, Urdu was only a language of minor portion 7 percent
of the population. This offended them to the extent that it became a cause for
formation of Bangladesh. So, Urdu instead of unifying the nation disintegrated it.

In urban areas People prefer English over Urdu and send their children to
English medium schools for better future as they know that civil services exam is
taken in English so, Urdu is side lined.

On the other hand, in remote areas people mostly use their local languages
instead of Urdu. Thus, it hinders the development of Urdu as many of them don’t
know it.
However, there are some successes aswell…

Urdu is a medium of National Media since media is well known for exposure and
people watch television and listen to radio with interest for information and
entertainment so the language gets promoted as it is exposed to more people.

Urdu has been made the medium of communication in many schools this
develops the interest of students towards their national language as all the
subjects are taught in Urdu and is used frequently in their reading and
communication.

Urdu is being taught up to M.A, M.Phil and PhD level in different institutions e.g.
Urdu University Islamabad. Therefore, the scholars research in the language and
different aspects of its poetry and
th th
Urdu language is compulsory subject to pass 10 & 12 grade in educational
institutions. Therefore, the language is promoted as they get familiar with its
grammar and literature.

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Urdu is the official language of the courts (alongside English) this helps in
promotions as it is then frequently used in Judicial proceeding e.g. Judges use it
in their judgement and lawyers use it in their arguments.

Urdu Mushairas (Poetry recitation session) are frequently held in Pakistan where
poets recite their poetry in front of Public who appreciate their poetry which
encourage them to write more in Urdu but sometimes they are even given awards
for their work by the government. Hence, they are motivated even further.

Urdu is the national language of Pakistan and is frequently used in all four
provinces. This not only a unifying force but also being promoted due to frequent
use by the people.

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