‘Regional languages and Pakistan’

By Islamabad

May 30, 2023

Pakistan is a country rich in diversity, with a population of over 220 million

people and a range of different languages spoken across the country. Urdu,
the national language of Pakistan, is widely spoken and understood, but it is
just one of many languages that contribute to the country’s linguistic
landscape.

Pakistan is home to a variety of regional languages, each with its own unique
history, culture, and dialects. These languages include Punjabi, Sindhi,
Balochi, Pashto, Saraiki, Hindko, and many others. In fact, Pakistan is
considered to be one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world
with over 70 different languages spoken throughout the country.

Regional languages play a vital role in Pakistan's cultural and social fabric.
They not only reflect the diversity of the people and their traditions but also
serve as a means of communication and identity. For many Pakistanis, their
regional language is an integral part of their identity and it connects them to
their heritage and history. They have their own folk songs and folklore that
represent their culture. They have their own regional dances. Some of these
regional songs and dances are famous throughout the country for example
regional dances like Bhangra, and Khattak dance and regional songs of
singers like Attaullah Esakhelvi, Abida Parveen, Abrar-ul-Haq, etc., are quite
famous. This very thing represents the sense of unity within Pakistan as well.
Despite their cultural and social significance, regional languages in Pakistan
have faced a range of challenges over the years. One of the biggest
challenges is the dominance of Urdu and English in official communication,
education, and media. Urdu has been promoted as the national language of
Pakistan since its inception and it is used as the medium of instruction in most
schools and universities. Similarly, English is often seen as a symbol of status
and privilege, and it is widely used in official communication, business and the
media. The preference for Urdu and English has marginalized regional
languages, making it difficult for people who speak these languages to access
education, employment, and other opportunities. In addition, the lack of
support and recognition for regional languages has resulted in a decline in
their use and a loss of cultural heritage. They feel disconnected from other
people because of it.

Despite these challenges, there have been efforts to promote and preserve
regional languages in Pakistan. Many organizations and individuals have
advocated for the recognition and protection of these languages, and there
have been initiatives to promote them in education, media, and other spheres
of public life. In 2018, the Sindh Assembly passed the Sindh Languages Bill,
which recognizes and promotes the use of Sindhi, Saraiki, and other regional
languages in the province. There have also been successful examples of
promoting regional languages in Pakistan. Muhammad Ahmar Chaudhary, a
scholar of the IR department at NDU, Islamabad.
 TWO MOST IMPORTANT POINTS

1. Linguistic diversity: Pakistan is a linguistically diverse country with over 70

different languages spoken throughout the country. In addition to Urdu, the
national language, regional languages such as Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi, Pashto,
Saraiki, and Hindko play a vital role in Pakistan's cultural and social fabric. These
regional languages reflect the diversity of the people and their traditions, serving
as a means of communication and identity.

2. Challenges and efforts for preservation: Regional languages in Pakistan face

challenges due to the dominance of Urdu and English in official communication,
education, and media. The preference for Urdu and English has marginalized
regional languages, making it difficult for people who speak these languages to
access education, employment, and other opportunities. However, there have
been efforts to promote and preserve regional languages, with organizations and
individuals advocating for their recognition and protection. Some initiatives have
been taken to promote regional languages in education, media, and public life,
highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage.