National Language of Pakistan

Abstract

This paper shows that iIn 1948 at Dacca Airport Hadrat Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad `Ali Jinnah ( رحمۃ لله علیہ ) said: “The national and official language of Pakistan shall be Urdu alone.” The object of all this was to maintain our identity as Muslims and as distinct nation with our distinct traditions, culture and religion. All have this right in respect of their respective identities. We must respect each other and our behaviour must be fair and reasonable. National language of Pakistan Article 251 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 is the Supreme law in Pakistan on the subject of national language of Pakistan. It reads as under: Article 251. National language.— (1) The National language of Pakistan is Urdu, and arrangements shall be made for its being used for official and other purposes within fifteen years from the commencing day. (2) Subject to clause (1), the English language may be used for official purposes until arrangements are made for its replacement by Urdu. Without prejudice to the status of the National language, a Provincial Assembly may by law prescribe measures for the teaching, promotion and use of a Provincial language in addition to the National language. The national language under the Constitution of Pakistan is Urdu. For Official purposes until arrangements are made for it replacement by Urdu, the English may be used.