ISLAMABAD, Sept 28: The knowledge and learning of different regional languages of Pakistan will help make centre strong and promote nationalism.

This was stated by renowned scholar and poet Iftikhar Arif while speaking at a seminar: “Literature of Pakistani Regional Languages and Contemporary Trends” at National University of Modern Languages (Numl) on Friday.

The Seminar was presided over by Abdul Hameed, Chairman Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), Dr Saeeda Asadullah, Former VC Fatima Jinnah Women University and Rector Numl Maj Gen (retired) Masood Hasan.

Iftikhar Arif told the audience that “Pakistan has some very distinct regions and each is enriched with a beautiful language, culture and society. Their literature depicts the beauty and universality of those regional languages, diversity and commonalities of cultures, richness and primitiveness of societies and commonality among peoples.” “Therefore, the knowledge and learning of these languages will not only make you cognizant of the issues faced by these societies but will also help you create commonness among nations and develop national integration,” he added.

Moreover, with reference to seminar M.R. Shafaq presented his research article on the contemporary trends in literature of Pashto language, Wahid Buzdar read his research article on literature in Balochi language, Hakim Ali Baru highlighted the salient features of literature in Sindhi language, Dr Humera Ashfaq presented the case of literature in Seraiki language, Haris Khaleeq presented the current trends in English literature while Dr Abid Sial presented his research article on trends in literature of Urdu language with regards to different genres.

Though the speakers highlighted different distinctive features of each regional language, every one categorically stated that the literature of all these regional languages was as up to the mark as the literature in Urdu language.

Besides, the speakers at the seminar said that literature in these languages also had a great deal of commonalities as “we find the saint of Sindh convey the same message in Sindhi which was disseminated by the saints in Punjab or any other area.”

Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Hameed said that next such seminar will be sponsored and arranged by the Pakistan Academy of Letters. Dr Saeeda Asadullah appreciated the initiative.

In the end Dr Roubeena Shaheen, Head of Urdu Language and Literature department of Numl, presented shields to the guests and speakers of the seminar.