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LANGUAGES
WHY URDU CHOSEN AS THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE?

 One of the reasons why Urdu became the national language in Pakistan is
its long history. It was widely used in 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
sub-continent. So it was natural that such a well-known and established
language would be chosen.
 Another reason for Urdu being chosen was its high status. Some of the
finest early poets such as Amir Khusrou wrote in Urdu and Sir Syed
Ahmad Khan’s school at 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 Ahmad Khan
supported it and the Muslim league was formed not only to defend
Muslim interests, but also to protect Urdu. The Quaid-e-Azam was
particularly keen to promote Urdu as he saw it was 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.

WHY REGIONAL LANGUAGES HAVE BEEN PROMOTED?

 Regional languages were promoted because they were spoken by a large

number of people. Government also believed that the promotion will be
helpful in national unity and integrity because promotion of language and
culture gives a sense of pride among people.
 Punjabi, Sindhi and Pashto have a vast literature and had an important role in
independence movement and creation of Pakistan. So it was necessary to
promote these languages.
 Balochi language had little development before 1947 and its literature was in
decline. Therefore Balochi was promoted to bring it in line with other
regional languages.
 Urdu was declared as the national language. Promotion of regional language
was necessary so that people of different provinces may not feel that Urdu
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was being imposed on them and their own language was being ignored.

 It was also felt that the literature and work undertaken by authors in such
areas as Sindh should be kept alive and so the government set up bodies to
promote it such as the Sindhi Literary Board in 1948.
 Many languages have played an important role in the history of the region, eg
Pushto literature had an important role in creating opposition to British rule
and the movement for independence.

URDU
 National language of Pakistan.
 It is about 300 years old.
 Infusion of the local languages Arabic, Persian and Turkish gave birth to a
new language which was called Hindi, Hindustani, Shahjahani and finally as
Urdu.
 It was mostly used in Mughal period.
 Muslims who travelled to other areas made it more famous language.
 Emperor MohdShah and Bahadur Shah Zafar also promoted this language.
 Many poets, writers and intellectuals like MaulanaZakaullah, Maulana Hali,
Ghalib and many others used urdu in their poetry and writings.
 Moulvi Abdul Haq“Bab-e-Urdu” dedicated his entire life for the development
of urdu.
 Sir Syed made it popular by writing various aticles and essays in urdu.
 The religious leaders, mystics and sufi poets spread the light of Islam in the
sub-continent with the help of Urdu.
 Played an important role during Independence Movement.
 Symbol of unity because in many parts of Pakistan it is spoken and
understood easily.

DEVELOPMENTS AFTER 1947

 Urdu is the medium of the national Media.

 Since media is well known to everyone, and everyone watches television,
listens to the radio with interest for interest/entertainment, the language is
promoted as more people are exposed to it.
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 Urdu is the medium of instruction in many schools. Develops interest in

students towards their national language, as a lot of subjects are taught in
urdu. They frequently read, write, communicate in Urdu.
 Urdu is taught up to MA, MPhil and PhD in different institutions (such as the
Urdu University). Thus scholars research the language and explore different
aspects of its poetry and prose, modernizing it.
 It is the compulsory subject to pass grade 10 and 12 in educational
institutions. Therefore, the language is promoted as students get familiar
with its literature and grammar.

 It is the official language of courts (...along with English). Thus promoted as

it is frequently judicial proceedings (Judges in their judgements, lawyers in
their arguments)
 Mushairas (poetry recitation sessions) are frequently held in Pakistan where
poets recite poetry in front of the public, who appreciate it. This encourages
them to write more in Urdu and are often given awards for their works.
 It is the national language of Pakistan and is frequently used in all 4
provinces. Thus it’s not only a unifying force but also being promoted by
people due to their regular use

SINDHI
 Language of Sindh.
 Ancient language.
 Chacha Nama being an authentic document proves that it was the same in
12th century as it is today.
 In beginning it was written in “Marwari” and “ArzNagari” way of writing.
 The Soomro Period (1050-1300) promoted this language.
 The Kalhoro Period (1685-1783) also promoted this language.
 Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai was a great Sufi Poet.
 It was developed after Journals such as TALIM ALKASHAF-O-TAUHEED.

DEVELOPMENTS AFTER 1947

 Sindhi literary board was a step towards Sindhi’s development as it published

different books and magazines in Sindhi and Sindhi literary figures like Fakir
NabiBaksh and G. Allama became well known.
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 Bazm e TalibulMawla Publishes books in Sindhi and have thus become known
because of their services towards Sindhi literature.
 Sarmast Academy was established as tribute to Sindhi poet .
 SachalSarmast also promotes the language, by printing his words and making
them available to the common people.
 The Sindhiology department teaches Sindhi literature at Jamshero
University up to MA level which helps students learn more about the
language.
 It is a compulsory language subject in schools of Sindh as an alternative to
Urdu. It promotes its importance among the students and fosters their
interest in Sindhi as they’re taught Sindhi literature and Grammar.

PUNJABI
 Language of Punjab.
 It has influence of many other languages such as Persian, Arabic, Hindi,
Turkish and English.
 The folk poetic tales of Punjab like HeerRanjha, Mirza Sahiban,
SohniMahiwal and SasiPannu were written in Punjabi.
 The great sufi poets like Waris Shah, Hazrat Sultan Bahu , Baba Bhul-e-
Shah and Hazrat Ghulam Farid promoted and used Punjabi.
 Famous historian Masoodi called it “Multani”
 While Al-Beruni called it “Al-Hindi”.
 Baba Guru Nanak called it “Zaban-e-Jattan”.
 In NWFP it was known as “Hindko”.

DEVELOPMENTS AFTER 1947

 Books on academic subjects like Law, Medicine, Science, History and

Philosophy published in Punjabi. Thus developed as it’s been used as a means
of imparting education.
 The Punjabi University teaches it up to masters level.Thus the language is
promoted as students and scholars do research in different aspects of its
literature, which helps to modernize the language.
 Radio Pakistan in Lahore, plus TV shows. These promote it though dramas and
serials and news. Punjabi theater and films are also widely appreciated by
because of their quality. Thus, by using it as a source of information and
entertainment it’s understanding has been improved among the masses.
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 Quran was translated into Punjabi by Muhammad Ali Faiq. Thus promoted on
religious lines as Punjabi Muslims read it with interest.
 Punjabi Mushairas (poetry recitation sessions) are also held where poets
recite their poetry in front of public. They are appreciated and it helps the
people learn Punjabi.Poets themselves are also encouraged and are given
wards.

PASHTO
 Language of NWFP and Northern Areas of Balochistan.
 Influenced by other languages like Pali, Prakorat, Pehlvi, Persian, Arabic,
Greek, German, and French.
 Its history is divided into three periods.
 First period falls between 2nd and 13th century. Bayazad Ansari was the
most important sufi poet who wrote “Khair-ul-Bian” (the first Pashto book on
Sufism). The first poet of this period was Amir Khan Pehlvan.
 The second period begins with the year 1200 when Mughals came to India
and lasted for about hundred years.It was the golden period of
pushtoliterature.HazratMianUmer, Sadaat Ali Khan, and Amir Mohammad
Ansari were the famous poets.
 The third period extends to the establishment of british rule. It was the
golden period of pushtoliterature.AkhundDardeeza and Khushal Khan Khattak
rendered great services for it.

DEVELOPMENTS AFTER 1947

 Establishment of Peshawar University and the post graduate Pashto

literature classes promote the language and literature among the masses and
it is thus more widely known.
 Academy for the promotion of Pashto Literature was set up in 1954 and this
prepared a widely accepted and known Pashto dictionairy, helped creating
vocabulary and increasing understanding of Pashto amongst the people.
 Pashto tv channels newspapers magazines songs and movies are introduced
which plays an important role for promotion of this language.

 Language of Balochistan.
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BALOCHI
Two kinds, “Sulaimanki” and “Makrani”.
 The first time balochi literature came to light was in 1830 when a british
traveler W.Leech wrote his report in the “Journal of Asiatic Society” and
revealed the presence of Balochi Literature.
 The balochi prose mostly contains tales of bravery and romantic stories of
the tribal chiefs.
 The literary work in balochi is very rare.
 Jam-e-Darrang is known to be the only famous poet.

DEVELOPMENTS AFTER 1947

 Broadcasts in Balochi on radio Pakistan, Karachi.

 Quetta Television help to make it more important through news,
entertainment programmers.
 Balochi Literary Association was set up and there are now weekly and
monthly magazines published in the languages under it. Nan Kissan and
Olassis being a few of them. Thus, this association promoted Balochi by
encouraging different writers and helping in gaining more resources.
 Many notable poets and writers such as IssacShamim and others are also
making Balochi widely available to the interested people through their works,
thus promoting it.

Why was Urdu promoted most after 1947? OR Why was Urdu
chosen as national language? [7]
 Urdu was chosen as national Language.
 Important unifying force and cultural identity.
 Avoid provincialism
 Language of Sufis and translation of Holy Quran.
 Pakistan movement. (Iqbal and Maulvi Abdul Haq)
 Widely spoken, most understood and adaptive language.
 The Govt. of Pakistan taken steps to foster the growth of Urdu.
 Rich literature in prose & poetry.

Q.How successful was Pakistan in promoting its regional
languages from 1947-1999? [10]
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 In 1948 the Sindh literary board was set up and this has printed
many hooks and magazines.
 Sindhi folk literature was compiled.

 In 1954 Bazm-e-Talib-ul-Maula was set to promote Sindhi

literature.
 Sarmast academy has been established for collection and
printing of old text.
 Sindhiology department had been established in Jamshoro
University.
 Punjabi literature is taught to MA level at Punjab University.
 Promoted through Radio, Film, Drama and Book publications.
 Mystic lore and Melodious Kafies(songs of saints) were re-
written and sung.

Q. Why was Balochi least promoted ? [7]
 The people of Baluchistan are mostly nomadic.
 The language is very ancient. No written records available.
 The literature was inherited chest to chest from forefathers.
 Lack of institutes and research work.
 The most neglected language in the times of pre-partition

Q.What part did Pashto play in opposition to the British before
the partition of India? [4]
 The Kushal khan khattak was great nationalist who always
opposed British.
 The `Golden Period' of Pashto inscribed anti-British thoughts
and in craved the ideas of nationalism.
 The Pushtoons (phathans) never accepted the supremacy except
Allah.
