August 5, 2002	Monday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 25,1423

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QUETTA, Aug 4: The Balochi Academy, Quetta, has demanded the introduction of Balochi language as a medium of instructions in primary schools.

A resolution in this regard adopted at the general body meeting held at the Balochi Academy on Sunday with its chairman Abdul Wahid Bandeeg in the chair.

The resolution demanded that the primary education be imparted to children in mother-tongue along with English as a medium of communications with the outside world.

In another resolution it also demanded increase in the duration of Balochi programmes on PTV and Radio network.

The meeting observed that presently the time given to the Balochi language on Radio and PTV was not enough and the duration of the Balochi programmes should be doubled.

The meeting called upon the management of the PTV and Radio to broadcast and telecast Balochi programmes for the Balochi speaking people residing in other provinces.

It specifically demanded the revival of the Balochi news from the federal capital as all stations of the Radio Pakistan cover the entire country. It also called for introducing programmes in Balochi language over FM 101.

In another resolution, the Balochi Academy censured both the Radio Pakistan and PTV for producing programmes in Balochi language were not up to the mark or substandard and there should be substantial improvement in the telecast of Balochi programmes. It cited the discriminatory attitude towards Balochi during the Folk show held in Quetta in which only one artist of Balochi language was given an award though Balochi is the major language of the province.

Another resolution urged both the federal and provincial governments to patronize the newspapers and periodicals in Balochi language by increasing the quantum of advertisement to those periodicals and newspapers. It said that at present, the policy of the provincial information department is discriminatory towards Balochi newspapers and magazines.

A number of literary organizations are functioning in different parts of the country promoting Balochi language and culture. It is deplorable that the government, mainly the ministries of education and culture or Academy of Letters are not assisting those institutions. It demanded that those literary organizations and institutions be patronized and helped in a big way for promotion of Balochi language and culture.

Another resolution censured the Balochistan Textbook Board for producing substandard books devoid of local culture and traditions. It is distorting the local culture and traditions. It called upon the authorities concerned to give adequate representation to the Balochi Academy in the Balochistan Textbook Board for producing standard books.

It also deplored the sub-standard curriculum for school-children. Another Resolution adopted at the meeting urged the Ministry of Education to appoint a Balochi as the chairman of Academy of Letters as all the provinces were given the chance to become the chief of Academy of Letters. It also demanded that more literary functions for promotion of Balochi language be organized by the Academy of Letters in Quetta.

It called upon the government to take the Balochi Academy into confidence while selecting scholars for research abroad.

The Balochi Academy General Council demanded an increase in grant- in-aid by the federal and provincial governments, as the present allocation is insufficient for carrying out research and meet the publications of books and papers.

The Balochi Academy called upon all the religious, political and tribal leaders to end the bloodshed, settle all tribal and blood feuds by using their power and influence.

The general secretary of the Academy, Abdul Qadir Shawani, presented the annual report, which was unanimously approved by the House with certain amendments.