LAHORE: A large number of activists staged a demonstration on Sunday in front of Lahore Press Club and took out a rally demanding that the government declare Punjabi language a compulsory subject from primary to graduation.

Leading organisations such as Pakistan Punjabi Adabi Board, Masud Khadarposh Trust, Punjabi Adabi Sangat, Punjabi Sangat Pakistan, Punjabi Adabi Parchar, Punjabi Khoj Garh, Baba Farid Trust raised their voice on the issue.

The event was organised in connection with International Mother Language Day being observed all over the world on Feb 21.

Representatives of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Jamaat-i-Islami, PML- N and PML-Q also attended the event.

There was a great activity at the spot. Loud music and drum beating inspired many to perform ‘bhangras.’

Participants in the rally were carrying placards and banners having slogans for Punjabi language. The rally started from Sima Pahari and concluded near Punjab Assembly.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Atta Muhammad Manika said the government was working on a law on making Punjabi a compulsory subject at primary level.

Muhammad Tehseen from South Asia Partnership said the issue of Punjabi language should be discussed both at government and the public level.

Malik Waqar of PTI assured the participants that if voted to power, the party would make Punjabi a compulsory subject.

Among others who spoke on the occasion included Punjabi Adabi Sangat Secretary General Abad Navid, Mehmood Butt from Bhatta Union, Jamil from All Pakistan Trade Union and Awami Party Pakistan President Shafqat Ali Khan. At this occasion Baba Najmi recited his poetry.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2016