Chapter 5

Urdu and Regional Languages

Steps taken by the government for the promotion of languages after Independence
URDU
 Urdu dictionary was complied
 It was used as a medium of instruction in many schools and colleges in Pakistan
 Urdu departments were set up at universities, awarding Master’s degree.
 Radio, T.V. film, novels, poetry, magazines also promoted this language.
SINDHI

 In 1948 Sindhi Literary Board was setup and this has printed many books and magazines in
Sindhi.
 Amongst important Sindhi author are Pir Ali Muhammad Rashidi, Faqir Nabi Bux and G. Allana.
 Several important books have been written on Sindhi folk literature.
 In 1954 Bazm-e-Talib-ul-Muala was set up to promote Sindhi Literature.
 A Sarmast Academy has been established in the memory of Sachal Sarmast .
PASHTO
 Peshawar University was established and an academy was established for the promotion of
Pashto literature was set up in 1954.
 The university was headed by Maulana Abdul Qadir and prepared a Pashto dictionary.
PUNJABI
 Punjabi is introduced as curriculum subject
 Department of Punjabi language was setup university of Punjab.
 TV, Punjabi plays, novels & poetry promoted Punjabi language.
 Punjabi theater is also playing an important role in promotion
BALOCHI

 Radio Pakistan Karachi began Broadcast in Balochi.

 The Balochi Literary Association was set up and there are now weekly and monthly magazines
Published in the Language
 Morden Balochi literature has shown rapid progress. there are many poets most notable are atta
Shad and Ishaq Shamin .Other writers, such as Gul Khan Nasir and Azad Jamal Din are also
working to promote the Balochi language
 The Quetta television station broadcasts in Balochi

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Q: Why have regional languages been promoted by the Pakistan government since 1947? [7]
One of the reasons was that it was felt by the Pakistan government that in order to preserve the work done
by the famous writers and poets in different languages, the languages should be promoted. The literature
they produced must be kept alive for the coming generations. Works like of Munir Niazi, Atta Shad, Ashfaq
Ahmad and others in areas of regional languages should be protected. So because of this thinking, govt. of
Pakistan had made every possible attempt to promote the regional languages.

Secondly, some languages played an important role in the history of Pakistan. For example, Pushto literature
had played a very important part in creating opposition to British rule and in the movement for independence.
There to elevate the standard of such languages, govt. of Pakistan has tried to promote the regional
languages since 1947.

Thirdly, at the time of partition, there were some languages that were at the brink of decline. Like Balochi,
which was at its decline at the time of partition. So govt. felt that it should be kept alive and not lost forever.
Hence the language was promoted.

Q: How successful has been the promotion of local languages in Pakistan been since 1947? Give
reasons for your answer. [14]

Since 1947, the Pakistan government has took strong measures for the development and promotion of its
regional languages, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto and Balochi, though some others like Brohi, Persian, Kashmiri
and Siraiki are also spoken.

Punjabi, which is widely understood in Punjab, Azad Kashmir and few areas of N.W.F.P, has been
promoted by the Govt. through media. Punjabi films, dramas and theatres have been become very popular.
Newspaper, journals and magazines have also been very significant in promoting Punjabi culture & literature.
New poets and writers like Munir Niazi, Ahmad Rahi, [Link], Ashfaq Ahmad, Bano Qudsia and others
have produce master pieces of poetry and writings in Punjabi. The Holy Quran has also been translated into
Punjabi by [Link] Faiq. Punjabi is taught up to MA level in Punjab University and Punjab Academy has
translated and produced many books in Punjabi. This way round its promotion is quite significant.

Pashto, language spoken in N.W.F.P, has also been given due important in promotion and development.
Peshawar University was established after 3 year of independence where Pashto is taught up to MA level.
Pashto Academy was set up in 1954 which has prepared a well-renowned dictionary under Maulana [Link].
Pashto dramas and films have also gained importance. Pashto papers, journals and books have also helped
Pashto language to promote. New writers & poets have also added to this contribution by producing classic
poetry and stories Pashto typewriter has also been prepared. Hence Pashto has greatly been promoted over
the year.

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 Sindhi, spoken in Sindh, have also been nourished and nurtured through promotion and development
since 1947. Sindhi literary board was set up in 1948 which had produced many books with coordination of
poets like F.N Bux and G. Allone. Sindhi library in Karachi has helped Sindhi literature spread. Many folk
writings have also been produced. Bazm-e-Talib-ul-Muola have been set up which translates books into
Sindhi. Sindhiology Dept. in Jamshoro University and development & promotion of Sindhi literature and
culture through modern means. Example: TV, radio, newspapers e.t.c. After 1947 large numbers of Urdu
speaking refugees were settled in Sindh. Sindhi- Speaking people feared their language and culture were
being destroyed. After riots in 1972, in support of preserving their language and culture, the govt. guaranteed
the special importance of the Sindhi language.

Balochi language which was at its decline before partition was given special attention for its promotion. Radio
Pak Karachi now also broadcast in Balochi. Quetta TV centre have been producing marvellous dramas to
help, develop and translate many books to Balochi and new poets like Atta Shad and writers have greatly
contributed towards its promotion. Balochi literary Association was set up and there are now weekly and
monthly magazines published in the language.

Thus, Pakistan has been very successful in promotion of its local languages. These languages have
developed a lot due to Government policies designed for this purpose. On the other hand, poets & writers
have also aided in this promotion and development.

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

 It carries immense importance for all Pakistanis since it has been considered to be the language of all
Muslims for 300 years. During the Mughal period, a lot of Mughal kings like Badar Shah Zafar took keen
interest to promote the Urdu language. It was widely used during the Mughal era. It was understood and
spoken in various parts of the sub-continent because when the Muslims travelled they spread their
language. Therefore, due to this it was chosen to be the national a language of Pakistan.
 It was the language associated with the Pakistan Movement throughout its struggle with the British and
the Hindus. When Muslim League was formed it gave great importance to the development of Urdu
language, this was one their major goals too.
 Due the efforts of the poets and writers, Urdu had spread widely. Its link to the Islamic religion has also
been very important, most notably with the translation of the Quran into Urdu by Shah Abdul Qadir. Many
religious books have been written in the twentieth century and this has also helped develop unity amongst
the Muslims. After Independence it was felt that the language was the uniting force behind the nation and
the government is committed to using at all levels in society.
(Refer to Nigel Smith)
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Q How successful has been the promotion of the following regional languages in Pakistan between
1947 and 1988:
(i) Punjabi;
(ii) Pushto;
(iii) Sindhi?

Explain your answer with reference to all three of the languages. [14]
Q ‘Sindhi was promoted more than any other regional language between 1947 and 1988’. Do you
agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer. [14]
Explains promotion of more than1 language
(Sindhi to be included for maximum marks).
Also produces a judgment or evaluation.
After Independence, steps were taken to promote Sindhi e.g. the Sindhi Literary Board was set up in 1948
which has printed many books and magazines in the language.
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. These poems contributed greatly 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 who are using it.
Pushto literature was boosted after Independence since the poets had contributed a great deal to the
freedom struggle.
The Baluchi language has also been promoted by its broadcasting on the radio. The establishment of the
Quetta Television Station has also helped to promote it.

Q- Source A:
Urdu became the national language after Independence in 1947. The Quaid was keen to promote Urdu as
he saw it as an important unifying force in the new country. However, he also recognised the importance of
regional languages and was keen to promote them. One of these was Balochi.
How has the Pakistan government promoted the development of Balochi since 1947? [3]
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

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