PAKISTAN STUDIES NOTES-GRADE 10TH

Chapter # 9 – Society and Culture of Pakistan

9.2.4. Discuss the Steps Taken for the Development and Promotion of Provincial Languages i.e. Sindhi, Balochi, Pushto and Punjabi in Pakistan.

Steps taken for the Development and Promotion of Provincial Languages i.e. Sindhi, Balochi, Pushto and Punjabi in Pakistan

Pakistan, a country with a rich tapestry of languages and cultures, boasts a diverse linguistic landscape that reflects its historical heritage and regional diversity. Since its inception, efforts have been underway to promote and develop the provincial languages of Sindhi, Balochi, Pashto, and Punjabi, alongside Urdu and English, the official languages of the nation. Recognizing the intrinsic value of linguistic diversity, the government and literary communities have embarked on various initiatives to nurture and preserve these languages, spanning from the establishment of literary boards and academies to the integration of regional languages into education and media.

Although poetry, prose, and novel writing, as well as the publication of books in many major regional languages, started during the British colonial era and even before that, the government and literary circles have taken serious steps to promote these regional languages in the post-independence era.

Some of the important initiatives concerning the promotion of regional languages are as follows:

Development of Sindhi

• Sindhi Adabi Board: Established in December 1951, the Sindhi Adabi Board aimed at promoting Sindhi literature. Since its inception, the board has published numerous books, magazines, and other literary works in Sindhi. Notable Sindhi authors contributing to this endeavor include Faqir Nabi Bux, G. Allana, and Pir Ali Muhammad Rashdi.
• Bazm-e-Talib-ul-Muala: Another significant step for the development of Sindhi literature is the establishment of Bazm-e-Talib-ul-Muala in 1954. This institution plays an important role in nurturing Sindhi prose and poetry.

• Sindhi Language Authority (SLA): It has been actively involved in appointing scholars and writers to contribute to the development and promotion of the Sindhi language. They conduct seminars and events related to the language¹.
• National Council for Promotion of Sindhi Language: This council operates under the Department of Higher Education and is involved in promoting Sindhi through various initiatives².
• Sarmast Academy: The Sindh government established the ‘Sarmast Academy’ in memory of the great Muslim mystic poet, Sachal Sarmast Qalandar. This academy has been instrumental in promoting literature in the Sindhi language through various initiatives such as book publications and literary encouragement.
• Sindhiology Department: The Institute of Sindhiology was founded at the University of Sindh in 1962 with dual objectives: to provide access to manuscripts, archive books, and research work related to Sindhi literature, and to promote and publish research in the Sindhi language. Since its establishment, the institute has made significant contributions to the scholarship of Sindhi language and literature.

Development of Pashto

• Pashto Academy: Established in 1954 under the leadership of Maulana Abdul Qadir, the Pashto Academy aims at standardizing, promoting, and advancing the Pashto language. It operates as part of Peshawar University.
• Pashto Dictionary: Another important milestone in Pashto’s development is the creation of the Pashto dictionary in 1955, widely accepted and utilized as a reference by researchers, literary figures, and writers in Pashto.
• Degree Programs: Post-graduate classes in Pashto literature have been offered at the university level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since 1954. These programs provide opportunities for students to pursue graduate and

Development of Balochi

Efforts to promote Balochi include:

• Radio Pakistan Karachi broadcasting news, informative, music, and cultural programs in Balochi.
• Establishment of the Balochi Literary Association and publication of weekly and monthly magazines in Balochi.
• Quetta Television Station broadcasting news, drama, entertainment, and cultural programs in Balochi.
• Contribution of literary figures such as Atta Shad and Ishaq Shamim in developing modern Balochi literature.

Development of Punjabi

Steps taken for Punjabi language promotion include:

• Making Punjabi a compulsory subject at the primary and secondary levels.
• Radio Pakistan Lahore broadcasting in Punjabi.
• PTV National telecasting entertainment, infotainment, and news in Punjabi.
• Private sector initiatives like Punjab TV, a leading Punjabi language television channel in Pakistan.