Introduction
Pakistan is a multilingual state with six major languages—Punjabi (spoken by 44.15% out of a population of 153 million in 2003); Pashto (15.42); Sindhi (14.10); Siraiki (10.53); Urdu (7.57); Balochi (3.57)—and about 57 minor ones. Urdu is the national language and English the official one (Census, 2001). The 1973 constitution of the country, which was suspended in part both during the military rule of Generals Zia ul Haq (1977 –1988) and Pervez Musharraf (1999‐), is again in force. It provides the following guidelines on language policy:
- 1.
The National language of Pakistan is Urdu, and arrangements shall be made for its being used for official and other purposes within 15 years from commencing day.
- 2.
Subject to clause (1) the English language may be used for official purposes until arrangements for its replacement by Urdu.
- 3.
Without prejudice to the state of the National language, a provincial Assembly may by law prescribe measures for the teaching, promotion and use of...
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Rahman, T. (2008). Language Policy and Education in Pakistan. In: Hornberger, N.H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Language and Education. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-30424-3_28
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