Languages of Pakistan

Q) Due to the long history of Urdu, it became the national language of Pakistan in 1947. Do you
agree? Give reasons for your answer. [14]

Pakistan is a land of different cultures and languages. The five main languages spoken in different
provinces are Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto, Balochi and Sindhi. After the partition the government of
Pakistan selected Urdu as the national language due to various reasons.

One of the reasons why Urdu became the national language in Pakistan is its long history. It was
widely used in the Mughal period and dates back as far as the sultans of Delhi. In its early stages it
was used by the Muslim armies and became widely spoken and understood in many parts of the
subcontinent. So it was natural that such a well-known and established language would be chosen.

Another reason for Urdu being chosen as the national language was its high status. Some of the
finest early poets, such as Amir Khusrou wrote in Urdu and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's school in Aligarh
became a centre for Urdu study. Many religious books, including the Quran, were translated into
Urdu. So it was considered an important language with a rich literary tradition. Perhaps the major
reason for Urdu being chosen was the fact that it was so closely associated with the Pakistan
Movement. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan supported it and Muslim League was formed not only to defend
Muslim interests, but also to protect Urdu. Quaide-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was particularly
keen to promote Urdu as he saw it as a unifying force. Since Pakistan was a new country, it was very
appropriate to pick a language which had played a part in unifying Muslims.

Urdu was also very popular language in the subcontinent, especially in the parts of Pakistan. It was
also the medium of teaching in many institutes, Urdu magazines, newspapers and novels were
published in the Pakistan areas. People would also easily communicate in Urdu so such an easy
language was fit to make the national language of Pakistan.

Urdu was also made the national language it was the unifying force as Pakistan was a mixture of
different languages, culture like Pashto, Sindhi, Balochi, and Punjabi. So Jinnah thought that it would
be unifying force and will develop the feeling of nationalism and patriotism so Jinnah announced
Urdu as the national language of Pakistan.

Q) Efforts were made to promote Punjabi as regional language than any other. Do you agree? Give
reasons for your answer. [14]

Pakistan is a land of different cultures and languages. The five main languages spoken in different
provinces are Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto, Balochi and Sindhi. After the partition the government of
Pakistan has done many efforts to promote its regional languages but special attention has been
paid too Urdu, as it is the national language of Pakistan.

Punjabi is spoken in the Punjab, parts of Khyber Pakhtunkuwa and Azad Kashmir. Translation of the
holy Quran have been rendered by Muhammad Ali Faiq and, Ahmed Rahi and Munir Niazi are the
exponents of a new way of Punjabi writing other writers include Ustad Daman, Mustansan Hussain
Tanan and Sharif Kunjahi, the government itself has done many efforts to promote Punjabi. Punjabi
literature is now taught up to MA level at the University of Punjab.

Urdu was declared as the national language of Pakistan in the 1956 Constitution. It was to be the
symbol of unity between the different regions of the new country. The translation of the Holy Quran
and the speeches given by Jinnah in Urdu has given much importance to it. It is taught up to the level
of Masters and PHD. Jinnah himself and Maulvi Abdul Haq (Baba-e-Urdu) have done great efforts to
promote Urdu. Other writers and poets like Ashafq Ahmed, Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Ibn-e-Insha have
also contributed a lot in the promotion of Urdu.

Sindhi is spoken in the province of Sindh. In 1948 Sindhi Literary Board was set up and this had
printed many books and magazines in Sindhi. Important Sindhi authors include Pir Ali, Muhammad
Rashid, Faqir Nabi Bux and G. Allana. In 1954, Bazme Talib-ulMaula was setup to promote Sindhi
literature. Sindhi is also taught up to the level of degree in Sindh. A Sindhiology department has
been established in the Sindh University. Sindhi is also taught as a compulsory subject in Sindh.

Pashto is spoken in Khyber Pakhtunkuwa and northern part of Baluchistan. Within 3 years of
independence, the Peshawar University was established and an academy to promote the Pashto
literature was set up in 1994. This academy was initially established by Maulana Abdul Qadir and
prepared a widely accepted Pashto Dictionary. Since that time, post graduate classes in Pashto has
been established at university level at Khyber Pakhtunkuwa. Pashto songs and TV dramas have also
played a role in promoting Pashto.

Balochi is the language spoken in Baluchistan. After independence, Balochi got a boost when radio
Pakistan started broadcasting in Balochi. Balochi literary association was setup and there are now
weekly, "Nan Kissan" and monthly Olassis magazines published in Balochi language. The Quetta
magazines are published in this language. The Quetta television station also broadcasts in Balochi.
There are many poet and writers. The most notable are Atta Shad, Ishaq Shamir, Gul Khan Nazir and
Azad Jamal Uddin.

Therefore I disagree with this statement because many other languages were also promoted
alongside Punjabi. In my opinion Urdu has been promoted more than any other Pakistani regional
languages between 1947 and 1999.