Chapter: 05 (Topic: Languages)

By Sir Bilal Sarwar.

Q: Why Urdu was chosen as national language of Pakistan at the time of independence? [7] (M-15)

Ans: (1) [Historical reasons] (a) Urdu was developed in 300 years of Muslim rule over India and it was
symbol of Muslim culture. (b) During freedom movement Muslim leaders made speeches in Urdu.
Muslim league defended Urdu during British rule. Urdu was adopted as national language of Pakistan
because it remained attached with freedom movement.

2) [Increase unity in Pakistan] Urdu was widely spoken in the most of areas of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam
was keen to adopt Urdu as national language of Pakistan. According to Quaid Urdu would act as
language of communication between provinces. Quaid thought that Urdu would increase unity in
Pakistan because most of the people could understand it.

3) [Developed Language] Urdu was used as medium of education in areas included in Pakistan even
before independence. (b) Quran was already translated in Urdu. (c) Urdu grammar, dictionary and
literature were developed. (d) Urdu books and newspaper were published before independence. (e)
Terms of office work were already in Urdu so it was a suitable language to be adopted as official
language.

Q: Urdu was promoted more than any other language; Do you agree? Give reasons. [14]

(Write only three reasons included language highlighted in question)

Ans: [Sindhi language] (a) Sindhi was written in Marwari and Arz Nigari ways which were changed into
Arabic script (writing). (b) Sindhi is used as of official language in Sindh province. (c) Sindhi is used as
medium of education in Sindh. (d) Sindhi literary board was setup in 1948 to print books and magazines
in Sindhi language. (e) Sindhiology department in Jamshoro University offers master degree in Sindhi
language. (f) Bazm-e-Talib-ul-Maula and Sarmast academy were founded to promote Sindhi language.
These organizations have published books in Sindhi and also carry out research work on Sindhi language.
(g) Pir Ali Muhammad Rashdi, Faqir Nabi Bux and G. Allana are important authors working to promote
Sindhi language. (h) Sindhi international conference is held every year to promote Sindhi.

2) [Punjabi language] (a) Punjabi is the largest regional (local) language used in Punjab. (b) Punjabi is
taught as optional subject in colleges. The provincial government of Punjab supports every organization
that promotes Punjabi language. (c) Master degree in Punjabi is offered by Punjab University Lahore. (e)
M.Ali Faiq has translated the Holy Quran in Punjabi language. (f) Punjabi films, music, theatre and
channels are very popular. (g) Baba Farid, Sultan Bahu were famous Punjabi poets, their Sufi poetry is
translated in many languages. (h) Punjabi folk romantic stories like Heer Ranjha, Sussi-Punnu are
translated in many languages. (i) Munir Niazi and Ahmad Rahi are famous Punjabi language writers of
20th century.

3) [Pushto language] (a) Pashto language is regional language of K.P.K. (b) Pashto academy was setup in
1954 to promote Pashto literature. (c) Pashto academy has prepared Pashto dictionary and published
many books in Pashto language. Master degree classes in Pashto literature is offered (available) at
University level in K.P.K. (d) Pashto remained attached (linked) with freedom movement. Rehman Baba
is famous poet and Khushal khan khattak is known famous Pashto writer.

4) [Balochi language] (a) before partition Balochi language was declining. (b) The Balochi literary
association was setup to promote Balochi language. (c) Nan kessam and Olassis are popular Balochi
magazines which have been published after 1947. (d) Many poets like Attashad and writers like Jamal
din are working to promote Balochi language. (e) PTV Quetta and Radio station Karachi broad-cast
(telecast/put on air) programmes in Balochi language.

5) [Urdu Language] (a) Urdu is declared as national language of Pakistan. It is promised in 1973
constitution that Pakistan government will take steps to set up Urdu as official language of Pakistan.
Speeches are made in Urdu in assemblies. Urdu is used as official language in lower courts and offices.
(b) Urdu compulsory subject. All major universities of Pakistan offer master degree and PhD degree in
Urdu. Organizations like Anjuman-e-Taraqq-i-Urdu and national language authority have done good
work for promotion of Urdu language. (c) A large number of magazines and news papers are published
in Urdu. Urdu software, dictionary and encyclopedia have been prepared. Work of important Urdu poets
such as Ghalib, Iqbal and Faiz has been translated into other languages. A vast amount of religious
literature has been produced in Urdu. A dictionary of office terms in Urdu has been published. TV and
Radio programmers are put on air in Urdu.

I think that Sindhi is the most promoted language in Pakistan because Sindhi has the status of official
language and medium of education in Sindh Province.

Q: Why have regional languages been promoted by Pakistan government since 1947? [7] (M-13)

Ans: [increase unity] Regional languages are important because they are spoken by large number of
people. The government is promoting (helping) regional languages to keep them alive. It will increase
unity in the country. Promotion (support) of these languages will protect local cultures and create
(make) a sense of pride (self-respect) among their speakers.

2) [Historical reasons] Pasto literature carries a strong element (feature) of resistance (opposition)
against foreign rule, such element of resistance is found in the poetry of Khushal khan and Rehman
Baba. Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto and even Balochi have a vast literature and had an important role in
independence movement and making of Pakistan. It was necessary (important) to promote (support)
these Languages.

3) [To avoid provincialism] (a) Urdu was declared as national language of Pakistan. Promotion of
regional (local) languages was needed because people of different provinces may not feel that Urdu was
being forced on them and their language was being ignored. (b) Language issue was the major cause of
the separation of East Pakistan so government has decided to promote regional languages. Balochi
language was declining before 1947. (c) Therefore Balochi was promoted (supported) to bring it at the
level of other languages.