Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
HomePakistanGovernment accelerates efforts to implement Urdu as official language

Government accelerates efforts to implement Urdu as official language

The federal government of Pakistan has intensified its measures to implement Urdu as the official language in all government departments, in accordance with Article 251 of the Constitution. This move aims to strengthen the cultural identity of the nation and promote linguistic unity among its diverse population. To expedite the process, the government has undertaken various initiatives and allocated substantial resources.

Recognizing the significance of this endeavor, the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives has recently approved a revised Project Concept-1 (PC-I) for the “Establishment of National Language Processing Laboratory (NLP-Lab)” with a budget exceeding Rs75 million. This initiative aligns with a Supreme Court order issued in 2015, which emphasized the enforcement of Urdu as an official language.

Leading the charge in driving these efforts is Ahsan Iqbal, the Minister of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives. Minister Iqbal has been instrumental in advocating for the transition from manual to digital processes, aiming to streamline communication and documentation in Urdu. He has expressed the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting the Urdu language and ensuring its rightful place in official proceedings.

To facilitate the implementation of Urdu as the official language, the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division is serving as the sponsoring agency for the NLP-Lab project. Overseeing the execution of the project is the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), which aims to elevate the status of Urdu by developing comprehensive digital data resources and incorporating modern technological applications.

Dr. Rashid Hameed, the Director General of NLPD, has been associated with the department since its establishment in October 1979. Dr. Hameed explains that the NLP-Lab project encompasses the development of various applications such as machine translation (MT), speech recognition (SR), and optical character recognition (OCR). These applications are designed to enhance accessibility for language learning, facilitate cross-border communication and commerce, enable online content access, promote cross-cultural understanding, and aid in the preservation of language resources.

The establishment of the NLP-Lab will serve as a pivotal hub for research and development in language processing technologies, with a specific focus on Urdu. Collaboration with academic institutions, language experts, and IT professionals will be encouraged to create a robust framework for language processing and digitization. This collaborative effort aims to address the existing challenges in Urdu computing and software localization, with the ultimate goal of ensuring seamless integration of Urdu in digital platforms.

Another crucial aspect of the NLP-Lab project is the promotion of language awareness and proficiency among government officials and the general public. Language training programs will be conducted to enhance Urdu language skills and encourage its usage in official communication. By empowering individuals to effectively communicate in their native language, the government aims to strengthen its efforts to implement Urdu as the official language.

The allocated budget of over Rs75 million for the NLP-Lab project reflects the government’s commitment to invest in the development and promotion of Urdu. These funds will be utilized for research and development activities, procurement of necessary equipment, training programs, and capacity building initiatives. The government recognizes that this investment is crucial for achieving its objectives and creating a solid foundation for the implementation of Urdu as the official language.

While the implementation of Urdu as the official language is a significant step towards preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage, it is essential to ensure that this transition does not undermine the linguistic diversity of the country. The government acknowledges the importance of regional languages and has emphasized the need to preserve and promote them alongside Urdu. This inclusive approach recognizes the rich linguistic tapestry of Pakistan and aims to create an environment where all languages are respected and valued.
Read more: 54.53% Candidates fail Urdu exam in CSS over three years

Urdu
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In conclusion, the government’s proactive efforts to implement Urdu as the official language are commendable. The approval of the NLP-Lab project and the allocation of significant resources demonstrate the government’s commitment to promoting Urdu and fostering linguistic unity. With the establishment of language processing technologies and training programs, the government aims to equip individuals with the necessary language skills and create an environment where Urdu can thrive as the language of governance, communication, and cultural expression.

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