پاکستان میں لسانی تنوع اور زبان کی پالیسی: شناخت اور یکجہتی کے مضمرات

LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY AND LANGUAGE POLICY IN PAKISTAN: IMPLICATIONS FOR IDENTITY AND COHESION

Abstract

This study critically examines the linguistic diversity of Pakistan and its implications for national identity, educational strategies, and social cohesion. Drawing on historical, cultural, and political contexts, the research explores the status and functions of Urdu, English, and various regional languages, highlighting the intricate relationship between language policy, social equity, and national integration. The analysis underscores that while Urdu serves as a unifying lingua franca, the persistent dominance of English in administration, judiciary, and higher education perpetuates socio-economic disparities. Moreover, the marginalization of regional languages can foster feelings of exclusion and intensify provincial or ethnic nationalism. By engaging with historical precedents such as the Bengali Language Movement and contemporary policy debates, the study demonstrates that an inclusive and multilingual approach to language policy can enhance educational outcomes, promote cultural preservation, and strengthen social trust among diverse linguistic communities. The paper concludes by recommending a balanced, participatory, and multilingual framework that ensures the coexistence of Urdu, English, and provincial languages within educational, administrative, and media domains, thereby fostering both unity and diversity in Pakistan’s national fabric.