Languages

Q) How successful has been the promotion of the regional languages in Pakistan between 1947
and 1999? Explain your answer. [14]

Pushto:
• In post independence era, Pushto language and literature received great boast and promotion.
• Pushto writers and poets participated in freedom movement, also contributing to its progress
and development.
• Sahibzada Abdul Qayyam worked hard to create political consciousness among people through
his speeches and lectures in Pushto.
• In 1954, Pushto academy established for promotion of language and literature. It prepared a
Pushto dictionary.
• In 1962, department set up in Peshawar university-arrangements made to teach people up to
MA level.
• Modern poets like Ajmal Khattak, Amir Hamza Shinwari and Samundar Khan had contributed
to its development by retaining the interest of readers in Pushto poetry and writing.
• Prose writers didn’t lack behind, like Mulana Abdul Qadir, Fazl-e-Haq Shaida etc.
• Magazines and newspapers in Pushto had increased circulation and readership.
• PTV Peshawar contributed by presenting programs, cultural shows and Pushto dramas.
• Pushto music is as rich as ever and Pushto theatre and films also popular.
• Taught as a compulsory language in NWFP till primary levels.

Balouchi:
• It was on the verge of decline by Independence.
• After independence, received a little boast when Radio Pak. Karachi began its broadcast in
Balouchi language.
• In 1960, first Balouchi journal published, setting a new trend in Balouchi literature.
• In 1962, Balouchi Literary Association set up. It published magazines, journals and articles in
Balouchi.
• A weekly magazine ‘Nan Kessan’ published. A monthly ‘Olassis’ also started.
• Balouchi poets also contributed greatly to its promotion – Atta Shad, Ishaq Shamim, Azad
Jameli etc.
• A poem ‘Dulhan’ of Ishaq Shamim very famous.
• Politician Gul Naseer Khan also has his share in the progress of the language.
• Bible also translated into Balouchi language.
• PTV Quetta center has also richly contributed to its development.
• Thus, it can be said that Balouchi made a real come back, revival and has reemerged after
independence.

Sindhi:
• Effective steps taken for its progress and development after independence.
• Sindh literary board set up in 1948.
• Sindh literary society in 1949 – it translated many authentic books into Sindhi and printed a
number of magazines and journals in Sindhi.
• Also many unpublished works of Shah Abdul Latif, Qadir Baksh etc have been published.
• 1954 ‘Bazm-e-Talib-ul-Mula’ and Sindh provincial provincial library set up.
• Dr Ali Akbar established ‘Sarmast Academy’ publishing several books in the memory of Sachal
Sarmast.
• Works of sufi poets like Hazrat Sachal Sarmast, Shah Abdul Latif very popular.
• Institute of Sindhiology set up in 1962.


• Apart from these newspapers, journals, Sindhi poets of post independence generation, political
speeches – all have contributed to the richness and popularity of Sindhi language.

Punjabi:
• After independence it is being patronized.
• Folk tales like ‘Sasi Panooh’, ‘Mirza Shahiban’, ‘Soni Mahiwal’ and mystic poetry of Bulleh Shah
and Ghulam Farid still read with interest.
• Punjab academy and Majlis-e-Shah Hussain working for the progress of the language.
• Modern Punjabi poets like Munir Niazi, Atta Ullah Qasimi and Ahmad Rahi greatly appreciated.
• PTV Lahore center presenting Punjabi shows and dramas.
• Newspapers and magazines published.
• Regional politicians give speeches in Punjabi.
• Taught as compulsory language in Punjab till primary level.
• Punjabi department in Punjab University, where it’s taught up till MA level.
• Punjabi songs, theatre and films very popular.
• Translation of Quran in Punjabi by M. Ali Faiz a new step in the progress of Punjabi.

Urdu:
• Adopted as national language after independence.
• Before 1947, it came to be recognized as the language of the Muslims of the Sub-continent.
• Ghalib and Iqbal’s poetry is still read with interest, even today.
• After independence, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Ahmed Faraz and poets like Habib Jalib contributed to
Urdu with their rich poetry.
• Federal Urdu University has been established for its education till Ph.D. and post-graduate
level.
• Urdu academy and Iqbal academy also publishing useful works in Urdu.
• Many newspapers and magazines of Urdu are in circulation in all the provinces of Pakistan.
• PTV, Radio Pakistan and many private TV channels and radio stations are presenting programs
in Urdu.