Urdu is the most prominent
identity of Muslims in Indo-Pak sub-continent. It has been declared as national
language in every constitution, after creation of Pakistan. But time to time, it
has been attacked by its own so called supporters and enemies. It had to face
the attacks of others before partition and those of its own, after independence.
Unfortunately, now Govt. of Punjab has launched suicidal attack on Urdu. After
going in somewhat detail, it would be beneficial for the readers, to get
background information regarding the said attack.
Urdu was introduced in Punjab Govt. offices and courts at the end of the Sikh
regime in 1849. It was attacked, first time during 1862. An expedition, against
Urdu was launched by demanding to throw it out of the province. Therefore,
Governor of the Punjab, Robert Montgomery convened a meeting of the
Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners of the province to discuss the matter in
detail. Most of the participants spoke in the favour of Urdu and this attack met
failure. Urdu, as a result, remained official language of the Punjab.
Second attack on this “hard nut to crack” language was attempted during the year
1862. Hunter Educational Commission was established to probe into the matter.
Consequently, a questionnaire, to gather the opinions, was issued but it seemed
that Urdu was going to be evicted from the Punjab. Although restlessness among
Muslim public was clearly noted but they had been helpless from the day first.
Fortunately, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was the member of this commission. It is well
known fact that this preacher, of English education, among Muslims of India,
also loved Urdu extremely. Therefore, he defended this attack successfully.
Third attack was launched during the year 1880, when Dr. B C Chatter G demanded;
during degree awarding ceremony of Punjab University that Punjabi should be
official language instead of Urdu. Muslims of the Punjab showed severe reaction
against it. Hence, a meeting of All India Muslim Educational Conference was
called in emergency. Allama Iqbal, Sir Muhammad Shafi, Sir Sheikh Abdul Qadir,
Maulana Shah Sulaiman Phulwari, Sir Imam Ali and Maulvi Mehboob Alam, Editor
‘Paisa Akhbar’ and other Muslims leaders participated in it. A strong resolution
was passed, in favour of Urdu and fierce discord recorded regarding suggestion
of Chatter G. In this way, third attack before partition also met its fate as
utter failure.
After creation of Pakistan, slogans were raised against Urdu in Bengal. As a
result of this, Quaid-e-Azam himself went there and declared clearly that only
Urdu would be the national language of Pakistan. Although since then till now,
it has been facing severe attacks of pro-English lobby but, during regime of
General Ayyub Khan, loud hue and cry was raised to change the script of Urdu
into Roman. This time, Maulvi Abdul Haque, Maulana Salahuddin Ahmad, Dr. Syed
Abdullah and so many other Urdu loving patriots defended it tactfully. Later on
Ahmad Khan (Alig) President, Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Urdu had been raising his voice
in favour of our national language till his death. The enemies of Urdu, after
that continued their conspiracies again.
Unfortunately, the above has been happening in view of Urdu; having
constitutional protection (Article 251-1, 1973) as well as being beloved
language of Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam. Recently, the Advisors of Chief
Minister of Punjab have ensured him that with the implementation of English in
Schools, as medium of instruction will provide us ‘paradise’ of prosperity and
progress. Therefore, like a suicide bomber, so-called Superior Servant of Punjab
is implementing English medium in all government schools throughout the
province, with great zeal and zess. It is an unfortunate aspect of the matter
that he thinks probably our above mentioned great leaders and all constitutional
authorities were in darkness about importance of English. It is apparent that he
takes mere English as the only mean of advancement and prosperity.
No doubt, paradise of suicide bomber is present, however it is doubtful whether
he succeeds to get it or not. But Govt. of the Punjab anticipates enjoying the
self-thought paradise which no doubt will be the hell of illiteracy and
ignorance. Because, according to an estimate, approximately 40 million students
were thrown out from academic institutions, during the last 50 years; because,
they could not pass English as subject in matriculation examination. Similarly,
78% candidates have failed in recently declared result of B.A/B.Sc. Exams, among
which large number could not pass English. It is bitter ground fact that this is
almost happening every year. It should also be kept in mind that this sad story,
more or less is repeated during intermediate examinations as well. Evidently, it
is mere a glimpse of the aforementioned self-killing of national intelligence
potential. The same will happen, at greater rate after implementation of
recently adopted policy of Govt. of the Punjab to enforce English medium right
from class one. Teaching/education experts have commented on it aptly that fall
out rate of students at primary school stage will abruptly rise, especially in
village schools which are almost 80% of the total.
In short, the above mentioned policy of Govt. of the Punjab is nothing but mass
killing of intellect just to please goddess of English, the language of our
ruthless Masters. At the end, we request all patriots, especially the learned
Editors of the newspapers, magazines, columnists and other writers to join hands
with us, for restoring the status of Urdu and demanding to enforce it, at all
levels in education institutions, courts and offices, in accordance with the
constitution, the deadline for which being August 1988.
President, Qaumi Zaban Tehreek (Pakistan)