Implementation of the National Language in Pakistan: Issues and Their Solutions (Regarding the Selected Books of the National Language Promotion Department)

Abstract

The implementation of Urdu as Pakistan’s national language has remained a complex linguistic, cultural, and political issue since the country’s creation in 1947. Following the partition of the Indian subcontinent, Urdu was designated as the national language of Pakistan, while Hindi was promoted in India. Although both languages share common linguistic roots, this separation not only reinforced distinct national identities but also widened the linguistic gap between them. In Pakistan, despite not being the mother tongue of any single region, Urdu emerged as a unifying medium among diverse ethnic and linguistic groups. Its incorporation of Persian and Arabic elements further aligned it with the Islamic identity of the state, while Hindi in India drew upon Sanskrit vocabulary to represent indigenous cultural heritage. Over time, Urdu in Pakistan evolved by assimilating local linguistic and cultural influences, thereby developing a distinctly Pakistani form that gained wide public acceptance. However, the language’s official implementation has faced persistent challenges, particularly in terms of economic constraints, societal attitudes, and institutional training. In this context, the services of the National Language Promotion Department remain noteworthy. Through translation of terminologies, publication of books, organization of seminars, and the use of digital platforms, the NLPD continues to play a significant role in strengthening the status of Urdu. This paper examines the issues hindering the enforcement of Urdu at the state level and highlights possible solutions to ensure its effective role as a language of communication and national identity in Pakistan.