How successful has Pakistan been in developing Urdu as a language since 1947?

Explain
your answer.
Pakistan has faced many problems in promoting Urdu as a language.

Firstly, Urdu faced criticism from East Pakistani’s. When Urdu was made the national language after independence,
the East Pakistanis strongly protested as Bengali, their language, was spoken by 54% of the total population whereas
Urdu was language of a minority. This offended them to the extent that it eventually led to creation of Bangladesh.
So Urdu instead of unifying Pakistan rather disintegrated it.

Urdu also faced criticism from Punjabi. The local languages e.g. Punjabi is used by 62% of the total population(after
1971) whereas Urdu was made the national language which is the language of 8%. Thus, this led to resentment
among the Punjabis as they were deprived of their rights and hence gave rise to the feelings of provincialism. 

Urdu was also sidelined in rural and urban areas of Pakistan. This is because in urban areas, people prefer English
over Urdu and send their children to English medium schools for their better future as they are aware that civil
service exam is taken in English. On the other hand in rural areas people mostly use their local languages instead of
Urdu. Thus this hinders the development of Urdu as many of them even don't know it or they don’t give it much
importance.

However, a lot of positive steps were also taken to develop Urdu.

Urdu is the medium of national media.Media is well known to everyone and people watch television and listen to
radio with interest for information and entertainment. Thus the language gets promoted as it is exposed to more
people. 

Urdu has been made the medium of instruction in many schools. All the subjects are taught in Urdu and the students
frequently used it in their reading, writing and communication. Thus, this develops interest in students towards their
national language.

Urdu is being taught up to MA, M Phil and PhD level in different institutions e.g. Urdu University, Islamabad.
Therefore the scholars research in the language and explore different aspects of its poetry and prose which helps to
modernize Urdu.

Also, Urdu language is a compulsory subject. It is mandatory for students to pass this subject in grade 10 and 12 in
educational institutions. Therefore the language is promoted as the students get familiar with its literature and
grammar. 

Urdu is the official language of courts (along with English). E.g. judges use it in their judgments and lawyers use it in
their arguments. Thus, this helps its promotion as it is then frequently used in judicial proceedings

Urdu mushairas (poetry recitation sessions) are frequently held in Pakistan. In these mushairas poets recite their
poetry in front of public who appreciates their poetry. Thus, this encourages them to write more in Urdu and they
are motivated even further when sometimes given awards for their works which promotes Urdu.

Urdu is the national language of Pakistan. It is frequently used in all 4 provinces. Thus it is not only a unifying force
but is also being promoted by people due to their regular use.