THIS is with reference to the letter ‘A case for Punjabi’ (June 1). Before taking up the argument itself, let us have a look at the larger scenario in Pakistan. The country has a multilingual population with more than 70 languages. Punjabi is said to be the native language of the people living in Punjab. What about the others who have been living for decades in the same province?

Every language is sweet and respected, because language serves as a window into one’s culture and identity. The same is the case with southern Punjab, which has a beautiful culture, identity and heritage, and even its own language, known as Saraiki. The fact cannot be denied that books, journals and newspapers are published in the Saraiki language just like any other mainstream language.

The most important point to ponder is that if the Punjabi language is recognised as the ‘official language’, as the said letter suggested, it might overshadow the linguistic and cultural identity of the entire southern Punjab region. Will it not be an injustice to the people of the region as well as to the Saraiki language?

Muhammad Shoaib
Quetta

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2024