SC seeks report on enforcement of Urdu as official language

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday granted a day's time to the federal government to submit progress report regarding Urdu translation of laws in all the ministries and institutions of the country.

The orders came during the hearing of a case pertaining to implementation and promotion of Urdu and regional languages.

Kokab Iqbal, one of the complainants, argued that competitive examinations should be taken in Urdu, praying the court to issue an order in this regard.

During the hearing Information Secretary told the court that instructions have been issued for translation of laws in Urdu.

Sikandar Javed, Chairman of Law Ministry’s Editorial Committee, told the bench that eight meetings were held for easy translation of laws but no progress has been made so far.

Justice Jawad S. Khawaja remarked that Urdu translation of the Constitution issued by the National Assembly was also flawed.

He said no progress was made on Article 251 of the Constitution regarding promotion of Urdu and regional languages.

“We are doomed, if Punjabi (language) becomes orphan in the land of Waris Shah,” he remarked.