ISLAMABAD: Renowned researcher and scholar Prof Dr Mohammad Saleem Mazhar has taken charge as director general of the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD).

He has directed the staff of the department to make devoted and tireless efforts for the progressive growth of the department and for the promotion of Urdu language.

Dr Saleem, a well-known historian, remained associated with the Punjab University as pro-chancellor and vice chancellor (VC). He also served as Sargodha University vice chancellor. He started his career as a lecturer at Islamia University Bahawalpur.

National Language Authority (NLA) was formed when Urdu was made the national language of Pakistan. It was renamed as National Language Promotion Department in 2012 and came under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of National Heritage and Integration.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2023