Seminar seeks state attention to local languages

February 26, 2013

By: Haroon Baloch

National University of Modern Languages Islamabad organized a seminar Tuesday for the promotion of regional languages of Northern Areas of the country.

Talking to our correspondent Haroon Baloch‚ the famous poet and writer Iftikhar Arif lamented that regional languages have been neglected ever since Pakistan was created.

He said local languages serve as base for the survival of cultures and stability of the country.

Literary personalities of Shina‚ Balti‚ Hindko‚ Kashmiri and Pashto languages presented their papers on the occasion.

Talking about the importance of Shina language in his paper‚ Aziz Ali Dad said Radio Pakistan has played a vital role for the promotion of Gilgit-Baltistan languages.

He said it's a dilemma that regional languages have not been given their due importance‚ hence they have been fading away. He stressed the need to preserve the endangered local languages by developing their scripts.

Poetry‚ music and cultures of these regional languages were also presented at the Seminar.

Rector NUML Major General (R) Masood Hassan said the varsity has been playing a significant role for the promotion of all regional languages including Balti‚ Shina‚ Kashmiri and Pashto. He said seminars like this are spreading the message of love and peace.

Story originally published at Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation

Comments

Pak Exaggerated Response to Rohrabacher's Resolution

By: Haroon Baloch Dana Rohrabacher, Californian legislature in House of Representative - United News Pakistan. Republican congressman Dana Rohrabacher introduced a House Concurrent Resolution on February 17 th demanding the right of self-determination for Balochi nation. Earlier this month, US House of Representative's sub-committee on foreign affairs oversight and investigated the prevailing situation of Balochistan in view of human rights' violence. Pakistan responded furiously to the US government on this move of congressman and termed it interference in Pakistan 's internal affairs. Newly appointed ambassador to Washington , H.E. Sherry Rehman feared it may lead to further worsening of Pakistan – United States ties. Balochistan – southwestern province of Pakistan , rich with minerals and other natural resources, is the richest part of the country . Contrary to facts, Balochistan has seen no prosperity during the past 65 years. ...

Parliamentarians on Memogate Controversy

By: Haroon Baloch November 19, 2011 ISLAMABAD (Nov 19, 2011): As the claims of US businessmen-cum-journalist, Ijaz Mansoor of Pakistani origin strengthened post COAS Gen. Ashfaq Kayani's meeting with his Supreme Commander, President Asif Ali Zardari, it has developed into a "Memogate" controversy, which engulfed all political ventures for the time being. Parliamentarians have somehow different opinions about the controversy, but PML-N leading politician and one of the close aides of Mian Nawaz Sharif Khawaja Asif terms it as the mutiny against the nation as well as the army. "Don't be hesitant or ask me whether the implications include Article 6, be optimistic enough to call it a mutiny against nation and its army", Khawaja Asif said. He also said referring to ISI that some institutions have received all related evidences including the secret conversations of Mr. Husain Haqqani with Mansoor Ijaz as well as the blackberry codes. "Fire is set som...

Silencing dissent

May 9, 2017 By Haroon Baloch For some time now, I have been restricting my speech — which may otherwise be perfectly lawful — out of fear of being labelled a blasphemer or a traitor Never before now had I thought about my personal safety since friends and close acquaintances frequently advise me to be cautious in view of the increasingly intimidating atmosphere in the country. For some time now I have been restricting my speech, which may otherwise be perfectly lawful, out of fear of being labelled a blasphemer or a traitor. Critical and dissenting speech is rapidly being circumcised and criminalised in Pakistan, either through disproportionate laws or by vigilantism. Just a few days ago, a learned acquaintance posted a status on FaceBook whose tone was supportive of the controversial blasphemy laws without paying any attention to the various incidents of murder, lynching, and vandalism that have taken place in the name of these laws. The person is associated with the ...

TheCredibleTimes

Search This Blog