The matter of national language

It is heartening that government authorities have realised the importance of Urdu and certain measures have been recommended by the SC to promote Urdu. Among such recommendations is the suggestion to hold the CSS exams 2018 in Urdu. The idea of holding the exams in our national language is very good. Many countries including Japan, China, Russia and Iran promote their national language. We must also do this. Urdu translation of some of the standard text books are also available. However, a lot of work still has to be undertaken to carry out the translation of books relating to a wide range of subjects. Since CSS is a competitive exam the candidates study from the best available books, which unfortunately are only available in English. Will it not be much simpler and convenient for everybody if the transition from English to Urdu for the CSS exam is done in an orderly manner? It would be a wise move to conduct the exam in Urdu after a few years. In the meanwhile, candidates may be given a choice to take their CSS examination in Urdu or English and efforts should be redoubled to translate the best text books on various subjects in Urdu so that the candidates who have chosen Urdu as a medium of answers can prepare for the examination.

On the other hand, Pakistani students who have studied in the best foreign universities and now want to serve their motherland by joining the civil services must be given equal opportunity to compete in the exams. A majority of the brightest students who study in English medium public schools in Pakistan go abroad for their graduate or post graduate degree. They prefer to work abroad and settle over there. Any further deterrent will completely discourage the entrance of such bright students in Pakistani superior services causing a loss of talent. Urdu must be encouraged by all means but not at the cost of some talented students who have studied their degree courses in English. The CSS exam can be conducted in Urdu after thorough consideration.

Zaheer Ahmed

Islamabad