Moot highlights role of Urdu language in Pakistan movement

LAHORE: Urdu Science Board (USB) organised a seminar titled ‘Role of Urdu Language in Pakistan Movement’ in connection with Pakistan Day here on Friday.

The seminar was attended by people associated with various walks of life. Eminent scholar of Iqbaliyat and linguist, Director of Iqbal Academy Pakistan, Dr Abdul Rauf Rafiqi delivered a keynote speech.

Dr Rafiqi presented the linguistic background of the Pakistan Movement and freedom struggle. He said that the Urdu language came into existence with the arrival of Muslims in the subcontinent from the combination of local dialects and the languages of Muslims - Arabic, Persian and Turkish. It became the most popular language of the subcontinent and the identity of Muslims. Urdu language and the two-nation theory were indispensable.

Dr Rafiqi said that the Urdu language played an important role in promoting the national movement of Muslims and awakening national awareness. “The Urdu movement was the basis of freedom struggle and the language of public communication”, he added.

Dr Rafiqi said that the role of the Urdu press was also very important. He also elaborated the role of Allama Iqbal's Urdu poetry in the Pakistan Movement that awakened the Muslims from slumber. He emphasised that there is a need for joint efforts of the government, society and institutions to develop, protect and promote the national language.

Earlier, Director Urdu Science Board Zia Ullah Khan Toru, in his welcome address, thanked the participants and highlighted the aims and objectives of the seminar. He said that Urdu Science Board is trying to play its national role fully in promoting scientific, technical and social sciences in the national language.