KARACHI: The government has referred to experts a proposal to examine the possibilities of evolving a common script for the major languages of the country, especially Bengali and Urdu.

The Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Zakir Hussain, told newsmen at Larkana yesterday afternoon that the evolution of a common script would ensure quick learning of various languages. Besides, it will also foster greater unity among the people of Pakistan, he said

The minister quoted the example of European countries where a common Roman script was used for about 20 different languages. He said Pakistan must try to find a similar solution for a common script for the various regional languages that are spoken across the country.

Mr Hussain made a strong plea for the simplification of language used by the national media, including both the radio and the Press. The minister said that the process of simplification and adoption of a common script would, in the long run, result in the evolution of a people’s language which would be generally understood in every part of the country.

Mr Hussain said that an “important step the Revolutionary Government has already taken to ensure greater unity” between the people of the two wings was to reduce economic inequality and ensure an equitable distribution of resources among the different regions. This, the minister said, would create a feeling of oneness among the people and promote national unity.He said a committee of financial experts would soon begin examining financial adjustments between the provinces and the Centre.

Mr Hussain said that East Pakistan had a bumper rice crop this year. He hoped that the import of rice from other countries this year would not be necessary in large quantities.

KARACHI: The government has referred to experts a proposal to examine the possibilities of evolving a common script for the major languages of the country, especially Bengali and Urdu.