THE LANGUAGES OF PAKISTAN

URDU

Brief history
Urdu emerged as a new language in India some 300 years ago taking words from
Hindi, Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, later it absorbed English words also. Urdu is a Turkish
word that means “Army”. So Urdu came to be known as the language of the Royal Army which
comprised the people from various areas.

Development before 1947

In the beginning long stories and poems were read in this language and later many remarkable poets and
writers developed this language. Wali Dakkani and Amir Khusro are known as the first poets of Urdu.
Mir Taqi Mir, Ghalib and Hali enriched the language later by writing their short poems called
“Ghazals”. Fort William College, Calcutta also played a great role in developing Urdu grammar in
order to teach the language to young British officers. Baba-e-Urdu; Maulvi Abdul Haq compiled the
first dictionary of Urdu. The Holy Qur’an was translated into Urdu. The Hindi-Urdu controversy
started in 1867 when Hindus wanted Hindi to be the national language of India. Sir Syed Ahmed saved
the language through his literary movement. The great poet-philosopher of the East; Dr. Allama Iqbal
wrote his great work in Urdu, awakening the Indian Muslims from the slumber and inculcate in them the
urge for independence, so it attracted so many people towards Urdu.

Development after 1947

After 1947, Urdu was chosen by Mr. Jinnah as the national language of Pakistan because it was the only
language that the people of all five provinces could speak, understand and write. It was promoted through
radio, newspapers, magazine films and literature. Later T.V also revolutionized the promotion of Urdu
by giving dramas, telefilms, news and commercials. Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Amjad Islam Amjad, Ahmed
Faraz, Munir Niazi, Ashfaq Ahmed, Bano Qudsia and many more were the most famous and popular
writers of Urdu who influenced the masses with their writings. Apart from this, Urdu was made the
medium of instructions in schools, colleges and universities as well.
 REGIONAL LANGUAGES OF PAKISTAN

PUNJABI

Brief history
Punjabi is the language of Punjab province which was partitioned into East Punjab in India and West Punjab
in Pakistan. It was spoken in the surrounding areas of Dehli, Meerut and Kashmir. It was written in
Gurmukhi script which is still in practice in East Punjab and is the main language of “Guru Granth Sahib”,
the Holy Book of the Sikhs but in the Mughal time, Arabic alphabets were used. It is a mixture of Hindi,
Persian, Arabic, Turkish and English. It resembles Urdu very much and both are written in the same scripts.
It was called “Al-Hindi” by a great historian Al-Bairuni, another historian Masoodi called it “Multani'' and
Baba Guru Nanak Dev called it “Zaban-e-Jattan ``, which means the language of the Jats (farmers). In
KPK it was known as “Hindko”. It has many dialects. In south Punjab it is known as Saraiki which is
influenced by Sindhi and in Sargodha, Mianwali and Rawalpindi it has different dialects like Pothohari etc.
The name “Punjabi” was given to this language by Hafiz Barkhurdar in 1080.

Development before 1947

This language was popular in the limited areas of Punjab and NWFP and was used to write the love tales.
Sassi Punnu, Heer Ranjha, Sohni Mahinwal, Saiful Muluk, and Shahnama-e- Karbala are some famous
works of great poets like Hashim Shah, Syed Waris Shah, Mian Muhammad Bukhsh and Daim Iqbal.

Development after 1947

Punjab was the largest in population after the independence, so the language also flourished quickly. Lahore
became the cultural center where the Punjabi film industry flourished. Punjabi films attracted the crowd from all
over Pakistan due to fantastic acting of Muhammad Ali, Mustafa Qureshi, Munawwar Zareef and ithe legendary
Sultan Rahi. Punjabi songs also promoted the language a great deal which are still attractive to all regions of
Pakistan. The Queen of melody Noor Jahan, Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, Ata-ullah Khan Isa Khelvi and
Abrar-ul-Haq made Punjabi the most popular regional language. Radio played a great role in the development of
Punjabi and later T.V dramas added to its popularity at homes. Theatre was another means of its development.
Translation of the Holy Qur’an by Muhammad Ali Faiq promoted the language a step further. Punjabi poets like
Munir Niazi, Sharif Kunjahi, Ahmed Rahi and Baba Najmi have attracted masses towards this language due to
their touching verses.

SINDHI

Brief history
Sindhi is an old language. It was spoken in the Sindh when Muhammad Bin Qasim
reached here in 711 AD and was written in “Marvari” and “Arz Nagri” scripts. Later many Arabic and Persian
words came into this language and after Mahmood of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghauri came from Central Asia,
it absorbed Persian and Turkish words and was written in Deonagri first and later in Arabic script.

Development before 1947

Makhdum Nuh of Hala and Qazi Qazan of Thatta were famous poets of Sindhi who produced quality work
which caused its promotion. Sindhi literature was further enriched by great Sufi poets like Sachal Sarmast and
Shah Abdul Latif who promoted the language. Sindhi literature was of a particularly high quality during the
Soomroo Period between 1055 -1300. The growth of the language was further aided by the journals which began
to appear in the nineteenth century. The first of these was Taleem ul Kashaf o Toheed.
Development after 1947

After independence, the Sindhi Literary Board was established in 1948. Under this organization many books
were printed and magazines were published. Amongst important Sindhi authors are Pir Ali Muhammad
Rashidi, Faqir Nabi Bux and G Allana.
Bazm-e-Talib-ul-Maula and Sachal Sarmast Academy were set up in 1954 for the promotion of
Sindhi. It was taught in the schools and colleges as a compulsory subject. The Sindhology department
was opened in the Karachi University for higher studies. Umar Marvi, the first Sindhi feature film made
in Pakistan, was released in 1956. Pakistan Television also played its part in promoting Sindhi language
through news, dramas and shows which encouraged Sindhi artists like Allan Faqeer Abida Parveen
and Shazia Khushak.
 PASHTO

Brief history and development before 1947

Pushto is the language of former NWFP and present KPK. It is widely spoken in KPK and northern Balochistan.
It is an old language and has the influence from Arabic, Persian, Greek and Pehlvi. It has three main stages as far
as its development is considered.

The first period is from the 2nd century AD to 13th AD. Amir Kror Suri and Bayazid Ansari were the famous
poets of this time. Khair-ul-Bayan was the first book written on Sufism. The second period starts from the 13th
century for about 100 years. It was a golden period of Pashto literature. High quality prose was produced during
this period. Hazrat Mian Umar, Sa’adat Ali Khan and Amir Mohammad Ansari were remarkable scholars of
Pushto. The third period goes till the establishment of British rule in India. Sufi poets Rahman Baba, Khushhal
Khan Khattak and Akhund Dardeeza produced quality work. They also wrote to awaken their people politically.
Later Sahibzada Abdul Qayum Khan carried out the mission to educate his nation and prepared them to fight for
independence from the British. He made efforts to establish the Islamia College Peshawar in 1913 which
contributed to develop the language as well as supported the independence struggle.

Development after1947
After the partition special focus was laid on the development of the language. Peshawar University was established
in 1950 where the language was taught till Master level. The Pashto Academy was also established in 1954 and
worked to compile the first dictionary of the Pashto language. It was promoted through daily newspapers and
magazines. It is still used as a medium of instruction in schools of the whole province and taught in the universities
till M.A level. The language was also developed through Pashto Film Industry and T.V programs. Yousuf Khan
Sher Bano was the first-ever Pashto film produced in Pakistan and released in theaters on 1 December 1970. It was
directed by Aziz Tabassum, with debut stars Yasmin Khan and Badar Munir. Gul Panra Rahim Shah and Zarsanga
are also popular in this field. Considering the rising popularity of the language other famous singers like Ali Zafar
are singing Pashto songs too.
BALOCHI

Brief history
Balochi is an old language of the Dravidian clan. It has two main types i.e. Mekrani and Sulaimanki. People also
speak Brahvi, Pashto and Persian. This language was brought in this region by the nomad tribes who migrated
into present Balochistan from Central Asia and North West Iran. This language was used as an oral expression
and no written stuff was available because its speakers were not settled people. Literary work in Balochi was
little. Only some love tales and war stories were the form of literature. It was not in written form but in the
memories of the people. No books or papers were published. First Balochi literature came to be known by others
in1830 when an English traveler Mr.W.Leech revealed it in his report in the Journal of Asiatic Society. Jam
Durruk is considered as an important Blaochi poet of the old times.

Development before 1947

There was hardly any development of Balochi language before 1947 because this region was not developed by the
British Government. They did not introduce the reforms and people remained disturbed throughout. Illiteracy
prevailed due to the absence of Educational institutions and literature was on its decline. People could recite the
old tales of bravery and some love stories of the tribal heroes.

Development after 1947

Balochi is the least developed of all the regional languages. After the partition, steps were taken to promote the
language. Radio Pakistan Karachi presented Balochi service. Later Quetta Television started in 1975 with Balochi
transmission. The Balochi Academy established in 1961 promotes the Balochi culture through the development
and promotion of the language and literature; support for literary circles; conducting seminars and conferences;
and inviting academics from different parts of Pakistan and abroad as guest speakers. It also publishes books in
Balochi. Dramas and telefilms have contributed to the development of the language. Renowned poets like Atta
Shad and Ishaq Shamin and the writers like Gul Khan Nazir and Azad Jamaldin have played a greater role in
developing Balochi. Kaifi Khalil has given life to Balochi through his popular song Kanna Yaari recorded at
Coke Studio. At present, more T.V channels are operating in Balochistan.
Some (a) part questions

1. Describe the importance of Urdu language.

Urdu’s importance is beyond measure because it is the national language of

Pakistan. It has been, throughout the history, the major custodian of the
Islamic heritage and culture. The Holy Qur’an was translated into Urdu and all the Ahadees of the
Prophet (pbuh) have also been translated into Urdu. It had been the Lingua Franca of the Pakistan
Movement and a cementing force to unite the Muslims of the sub-continent. After the partition, it was the
only source to keep the Muslims together because it was the only language to be spoken, written and
understood in all provinces of Pakistan including East Pakistan.

2. How was Sindhi developed after partition in 1947?

Sindhi was developed efficiently after the partition. A Sindhi Literary Board was established in 1954 and
Bazm-e-Talib-ul-Maula was set up for the promotion of Sindhi. Sacha Sarmast Academy was also set up
and Sindhology department was opened in the Karachi University to promote the language. It is taught as a
compulsory subjects in schools and colleges and is also used as the medium of instruction. Film, T.V and
print media are playing additional role for the development of Sindhi.

3. What is the importance of a language to a nation?

A language is the only way to express or transfer one’s feelings whatsoever either by writing or speaking.
In both ways, we need a language. It is, therefore, the most essential tool for the physical, moral, political
or social training of a nation. It is true to say that without a language, we can not build a nation. Language
is the first and the most important step to survive as a civilized person on the globe.
 4. Describe the history of Urdu language.

Urdu is a Turkish word that means ‘Army’. It was a language that took shape in the Mughal Army taking
words from different Indian and foreign languages like Hindi, Sansikrat, prakrit, Punjabi, Gujrati etc and
Turkish, Persian, Arabic and later English. It is some 300 years old language. The first poet of this
language was Amir ‘Khusro or Wali Dakkani. Later on many world class poets and writers developed this
language to the world standard.

Some (b) part questions

1. Why was Urdu chosen as the National Language of Pakistan in 1947?

LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1] It was the best language.

LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons [2–4] It’s understood by all Pakistanis.
LEVEL 3: Explains reasons [5–7]
It carries immense importance for all Pakistanis since it has been considered to be the language of all
Muslims for 300 years. It was the language associated with the Pakistani Movement throughout its struggle
with the British and the Hindus. After Independence, it was felt that the language was the uniting force
behind the nation and the government is committed to using it at all levels in society.

2. Why have regional languages been promoted by the Pakistan government since
independence?
LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement [1] They are spoken in Pakistan
LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons [2–4] To keep the languages alive
LEVEL 3: Explains reasons [5–7]
It was 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, e.g. Pushto literature had an
important role in creating opposition to British rule and the movement for independence. Balochi had
little development before 1947 and its literature was in decline.
However the government felt that it should be kept alive and not lost forever. Hence the language was
promoted.
 Some (c) part questions

1. ‘The promotion of regional languages in Pakistan between 1947 and 1988 has been
more successful than the promotion of Urdu.’ Do you agree? Explain your answer. [14]
LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement. [1-2]
Pashto is a regional language
LEVEL 2: Description of regional languages and/or Urdu. [3-6]
Pashto is spoken in the NWFP. Sindhi is the second major language spoken in Pakistan
LEVEL 3: Explains promotion of regional languages OR Urdu [7-10] LEVEL 4:
Explains both [9-13]

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 has
ensured its development by giving support to those institutions who are using it. Sindhi was written in ‘Marwari’
and ‘Arz Nagari’ was written which was changed into Arabic.
After Independence, steps were taken to promote the language e.g. the Sindhi Literary Board was set up in 1948
which has printed many books and magazines in the language. Pashto 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.
Urdu carries immense importance for all Pakistanis since it has been considered to be the language of all
Muslims for 300 years. It was the language associated with the Pakistani Movement throughout its struggle with
the British and the Hindus. After Independence it was felt that the language was the uniting force behind the nation
and the government is committed to using it at all levels in society.

LEVEL 5: As Level 4 - also produces a judgment or evaluation. [14]

https://pakistanstudies.pk/2020/06/02/questions-based-on-urdu-and-regional-languages/

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