Urdu as an Official Language: A Constitutional Mandate Compliance and Challenges Prospectives

Abstract

Though Urdu language has no religious background, it is inspired by Arabic a mother-tongue of Islam. However, after its development, Urdu was exclusively attributed to be the language of Muslims of the Sub-continent. They faced many challenges for the survival of Urdu during the Movement of Independence. For the same reason, after independence, Urdu was declared to be the National Language of Pakistan. Afterward, certain bodies were established for its proper implementation as official language of the country. This aspect is recognized as constitutional obligation in term of Article 251 of Constitution, 1973. Though, the government was given sufficient time for the compliance of the same, this task could not have been accomplished despite of lapse of almost fifty years. Even, the judicial verdicts could not make the concerned institutions mindful. Instead, English is the official language of Pakistan since independence. Of course, there is difference of opinion on the matter of Official Language. Among others, the medium of education and legislation including policy papers are the major issues which are on English pattern. However, if these issues are addressed, the constitutional obligation of implementing Urdu as official language may be ensured.