Policy Dialogue on Language ends

Islamabad

The three-day Policy Dialogue on Language, hosted by Air University in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC), concluded at HEC Secretariat on Thursday.

The activity featured focus group discussions on different topics involving national and international scholars from academia, media, law, banking, aviation, governmental organisations and other institutions to provide concrete steps in formulating recommendations for a national policy on status of English, Urdu and regional languages in Pakistan.

Speaking at the occasion, the HEC chairman appreciated the Air University, particularly Dr. Wasima Shahzad, for organising this dialogue at a right time when the government is gradually shifting to use of Urdu as official language.

“We should make concerted efforts for promotion of Urdu and regional languages. The conversion to Urdu as official language should be made step-by-step and for that this type of academic discourse is very significant,” said Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, adding HEC is ready to further fund research in language, provided there are concrete proposals.

The chairman said that different organisations that are already in place for development of languages should come together for preservation of regional languages and development of a comprehensive national language policy.  Dr. Wasima Shahzad said that language is our identity and we need to take pride in our language. Appreciating experts for their active participation in various sessions, she said that there was a message of unity in diversity through these discussions, and very valuable inputs were given by all our national and international experts.