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Key Question 5: To what extent Urdu and Regional languages

contributed to the cultural development of Pakistan ?

1. Why did Pakistan choose Urdu as its national language? [7]

One of the reasons why Urdu became the national language in Pakistan is
its long history. It was widely used in the 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
subcontinent. 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
Ahmed 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 literacy tradition.
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Perhaps the major reason for Urdu being chosen was the fact that it was so
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closely associated with the Pakistan Movement. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
supported it and the Muslim League was formed not only to defend
Muslims interests, but also to protect Urdu. The Quaid-e-Azam was
particularly keen to promote Urdu as he saw it as a unifying force. Since
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Pakistan was a new country, it was very appropriate to pick a language

which had played a part in unifying Muslims.
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Advantage of Urdu
The Quaid-e-Azam was particularly keen to promote Urdu as he saw it as a
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unifying force. Since Pakistan was a new country , it was very appropriate
to pick a language which had played a part in unifying Muslims.
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Disadvantages of Urdu
Destruction of other languages
Language of only 8%
Urdu Bengali Controversy which lead to separation

2. Why have Regional languages been promoted by Pakistan since

1947? [7]

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Urdu was promoted because it was the language of Muslims. It united the
Muslims of India in those times and was also chosen as the national
language of Pakistan. More development was taken in it so that more
people could have knowledge in it and promote it.

Sindhi was also promoted because it played a major role in literature. It

was felt that the ork of the people should be kept alive and not forgotten.
The work and poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and Sachal Sarmast was to
be preserved. The government made Sindhiology department in University
of Jamshoru. Sarmast Academy was setup to promote Sindhi language.

Balochi language was promoted so that the people dont forget it and due to
the work and poetry of people like Jam Darang. His works were great.
Radio pakistan promoted it by broadcasting in Balochi. Newspapers and
Books were published in Balochi language to promote it at national levels.
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Punjabi was promoted because it contained many influential things like

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poetry and other works of Bullhe Shah's Kalam. It was thought that his
work should be protected for future generations and save it

Pushto was promoted because it played a major role by Sahibzada Abdul

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Qayum in the independence of Muslims. It made people stand up for their

rights. University of Peshawar supported it and books were written in
Pushto.
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So that is why Regional languages been promoted by the Pakistan

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government.
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3. `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]

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Urdu is very important for all Pakistanis and 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. The Hindi-Urdu Controversy Sir Syed supported
Urdu as official language for the Muslims and India.

Sindhi is the language older than Urdu it was used by number of famous
poets. It is very popular in Sindhi province. Sindhi was written in ‘Marwari’
and ‘Arz Nagari’ was of writing which was subsequently changed into
Arabic. After Independence,There are many steps taken to promote Sindhi.
The Sindhi Literary Board was set up in 1948 which has printed many
books and magazines in the language. Several important books are written
in Sindhi. It is used in school but it is not the medium of instructions in
schools. Government is also trying to promote this language. One of the
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famous person is Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and Sachal Sarmast. Sarmast
Academy was also setup in Sindh. The government made Sindhiology
department in Univeristy of Jamshoru.
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Balochi is the language which is spoken by the largest province of

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Pakistan which is Balochistan. Language was brought here by tribes who

migrated here. There are several Balochi poets. It was first discovered
outside the province in 1830 when a British traveler was traveling. There
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was a decline in the language but government has made Radio Pakistan
Karachi to do broad cast in Balochi. There are several magazines written
and Quetta Television broadcast Balochi shows. There is now promoted
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rapidly increase in the language and is used by many poets.

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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. It is also

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spoken in Abad Kashmir and the NWFP. It is easily understood by everyone

and is also considered very old language. It has a long history and is
written in “Gurmukhi script” and there are several dialects of this language.
This language is used by singers and there are many songs in this
language. There are novels, short stories, and Dramas in Punjabi and there
are also books published in this language as Law, Medicine. The Punjabi
Literature is taught in many educational places. 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 for example in University of Punjab.
Punjabi is now taught at Masters level. Some important works,poets and
people include Bullhe Shah for his 'Kalam'. Some famous works include of
various people are Heer-Ranjha and Sassi Pannu.

Pushto is the language of people of NWFP and the northern areas of

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Balochistan. It is influenced by Greek, Persian and Arabic. It had a great

history and is one of the oldest languages of Pakistan. Pashto literature
plays an important role in opposition to British rule and movement towards
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independence. Study in Pashto helped foster unity and the language

became freedom movement for NWFP. Within three years after
independence Peshawar University was established to promote the
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language.
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But still agree that Urdu was the most promoted because it was the
national langauge of the Pakistan and the Muslims because it united the
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Muslims under one point and made them fight for their separate country
which led to making of Pakistan and also because its been promoted more
than others.
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