Pak Studies Book English Medium CH
Pak Studies Book English Medium CH
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(A) Growth and Distribution of
Population in Pakistan
Pakistan is a densely populated country. Density of population means the average
number of people living in a square kilometre. Pakistan is the 6th largest country in
the world with respect to population. The first five countries in order of population are
China, India, America, Indonesia and Brazil. According to the Economic Survey of
Pakistan 2013-14, the population of Pakistan is 188.02 millions. It is increasing at the
rate of 1.95% per annum.
The rapid growth in population can be seen from the facts that according to the census
of 1998, Pakistan’s population was 13 crore, 23 lakh, and 52 thousand. This increased
to more than 18 crore 8 lakh in 2014. Two important points are kept in view in reference
to population: first, its distribution and secondly its rate of growth. The census of 1998
shows that the density of population in Pakistan was 164 persons per square kilometre.
The latest statistics show that it is in excess of 236 persons per square kilometre.
That means that the area is the same but population is increasing rapidly. That is why
Pakistan is included in the list of densely populated countries. In 1950, with respect to
population, Pakistan was the 13th largest country in the world. If the rate of growth in
population remains the same, by 2050 Pakistan will become the 5th largest country of
the world.
According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2013-14, important information about
Pakistan’s population is given below:
2. Census
To develop a meaningful and successful plan for any country, the essential facts about
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different aspects of population should be available, such as total population and its
regional distribution, ratio of rural and urban population, growth rate, population per
kilometre, education and educational ability and significant professions of the people
etc are on top. The process of obtaining these facts and figures is called a census. A
census is held after every 10 years. The first census in the Indo- Pak subcontinent was
held in 1881. After the creation of Pakistan, census has been held 5 times. The details
are given below:
Year of census Population (approximately)
1951 3.37 crore
1961 4.28 crore
1972 6.53 crore
1981 8.42 crore
1998 13 crore 23 lakh
1. Geographical factors
An area which has level, soft and fertile land is easy to populate. Here resources and
means of living can be easily obtained by farming and gardening. In such areas, living,
building houses and obtaining the necessities of life is relatively easy. That is why
these areas are overpopulated. On the other hand, rugged terrain, mountains, forests,
or barren and wasteland areas are not suitable for living. That is why such areas have
a very small population. The plain areas of Pakistan where the soil is very fertile
and cultivable have a dense population, such as the River Indus Plain, the valleys of
Peshawar and Mardan, etc.
2. Climate
The health of people living in a favourable climate is good. Timely rainfall leads to
high agricultural production and abundant availability of food. That is why such areas
usually are heavily populated. Large ancient cities existed near river banks. Temperate
and semi hot climates where there is a lot of rainfall become densely populated. The
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climate of our northern mountain ranges is very cold. The climate of Balochistan plateau
and desert areas is extremely hot. That is why these areas are sparsely populated. The
northern areas of the Punjab and Karachi have a temperate climate so they are densely
populated.
3. Mineral resources
In the areas which have valuable mineral reserves e.g. coal, iron, oil, gas or precious
stones etc, many people there gather to earn a livelihood. In such areas, there are means
of transportation as well. Near such areas, mills and factories are also established. Large
industrial cities come into being and population increases, like the Potowar Plateau in
Pakistan.
4. Water reserves
Most of the population of the world is settled around water reserves. For example, the
largest and most densely populated city of Pakistan, Karachi is located along the coast
of the Arabian Sea. In Punjab and Sindh, cities with more population are settled near
rivers, whereas shortage of water in areas distant from water sources leads to small
population there.
3. University Education
After Higher Secondary the University education commences. Many universities in
the country have been established for education of this level. There are many types of
university education. This education includes the degrees of B.A, B.Sc, M.A. and M.Sc.
M.Phil, Ph.D. Many colleges provide higher education as well. For professional studies
students have to get admission to professional colleges. For subjects like Commerce,
Agriculture and other arts related branches of knowledge, there are colleges and
universities established for this purpose.
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ii. Healthy extracurricular activities, sports, debates, poetry recitation, speeches,
seminars and study tours help in the moral upbringing and personality
development of students. The facilities for these activities in our educational
institutions are limited.
iii. The majority of parents in Pakistan want to make their children either engineers or
doctors. The student’s aptitude and mental capacity are not considered. Students
are forced to study science subjects which place a psychological pressure on
them.
iv. The budget allocated for education in Pakistan is insufficient. There is a scarcity
of teachers as well.
v. There are some faults in our examination system. This includes rote learning
done by students, trend towards cheating, question papers being leaked prior to
the exams, the attitude of the examination staff, shortage of time and the method
of assessing papers. To increase the intellectual capacity and performance of
students, the system of exams should be made transparent and effective.
vi. Political interventions also create problems in the education system of Pakistan.
Students become directly involved in politics which affects their educational
future.
vii. Different courses are taught in Pakistan in government and private educational
institutes. This dual system of education also takes the form of an educational
problem. This lack of a uniform system of education is harmful for Pakistan’s
unity and solidarity.
viii. Most of the educational institutions of Pakistan face the problems, of lack of
basic facilities such as clean water problem, electricity shortage, faulty system
of sanitation, hostels and transport problems. Many students are deprived of
education due to these problems.
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only on their education.
v. Teachers should be encouraged.
vi. All government educational institutions must be provided with sports fields,
clean drinking water and other facilities.
vii. Art and technical subjects should be included in the curriculum.
viii. In madrassa schools science and other conventional subjects should also be
taught.
ix. Educational institutions should be provided with facilities for healthy
extracurricular activities and social hobbies.
x. Subjects should be taught according to the aptitude and mental capacity of
students.
xi. Improvements should be brought about in the education sector to dispel the
worries of students.
Governmental Measures
i. To hasten the pace of educational development, the following are the measures
taken by the government:
ii. Provision of free education and free textbooks from Prep to Secondary level.
iii. Provision of scholarships for students for their elementary education.
iv. Restructuring of the curriculum keeping in view the future needs, and on
scientific basis.
v. Cooperation with government and private sector and their wholehearted
encouragement for the promotion of technical, vocational and scientific education.
vi. Improving the standard of higher education for socio-economic development.
vii. Establishment of more and more universities for higher education, at governmental
and private levels.
viii. Establishment of ‘’Education Foundation’’ for the solution of educational
problems at national and provincial levels.
ix. Revolutionary efforts in the field of information technology.
Eradication of diseases
There are efforts underway in Pakistan (with the cooperation of the United Nations
and other countries) for the eradication of polio, chicken pox, malaria, tuberculosis,
cholera, cancer, leprosy, AIDS, dengue and other fatal diseases. For the eradication of
polio, a drive was started in 1985 which is still in progress. According to the facts and
figures of 2013-14, a table of the medical facilities in Pakistan is given below.
Total government hospitals in Pakistan 1096
Basic Health Units 5527
Dispensaries 5310
Rural Health Centers 650
Registered doctors 167759
Registered dentists 13716
Registered nurses 86183
One bed in a hospital 1647 persons against one bed
Only one doctor available for 1099 people
Only one dentist available for 13441 people
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overpopulation has paralysed the medical structure of the country and we are
faced with countless medical problems.
iii. In Pakistan, due to different contagious and fatal diseases countless people die
each year. Besides malaria, cholera and tuberculosis, illnesses like heart diseases,
cancer and blood pressure are also becoming common.
iv. Nutritional imbalance and poor health are creating lack of immunity.
v. One important cause for diseases in Pakistan is the adulteration of food items.
This leads to lower health standards in people.
vi. Due to illiteracy people are not familiar with the rules of health safety. There are
countless heaps of dirt and garbage everywhere. Houses are not airy and well lit.
1. Social values
In all the provinces and areas of Pakistan, excellent and distinctive social values are
found. Respect for elders, love for the young and showing respect for women are our
values. People share each other’s grief and joy. In rural areas, panchayats (comprised
of elders of the village) solve many disputes at the local level.
2. Foods
Different areas of Pakistan have different food preferences. In the Punjab and Sindh
vegetables, pulses, meat and rice are favourites. In Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
people eat meat, dry and fresh fruits, wheat, barley and rice. For drinking, people prefer
milk and laban (lassi) in the Punjab. In Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, people
prefer green tea (kehwa). Half a century back Sajji and Karahi Gosht were dishes limited
to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Northern Punjab. Now these dishes are appreciated
from Peshawar to Karachi and Quetta. Pakistani people enjoy eating meat.
3. Religious uniformity
When Saints spread Islam in the subcontinent, many people embraced Islam. At
the present time there is religious uniformity in Pakistan. Pakistan’s most important
recognition is Islam even while there are regional, provincial, lingual, racial and other
bases. They give comparatively little importance to caste and creed, colour and race
and regional classes. The constitution of Pakistan gives complete protection to the
minorities. Along with religious uniformity in Pakistan there is religious toleration as
well.
4. Mixed culture
In the past people who settled in areas which now comprise Pakistan came from different
areas. Whichever group came, it brought with it its customs, traditions, festivals, dress,
food and style of living. These groups had an influence on each other and a mixed
culture emerged.
5. Dress
Pakistani dresses are made keeping in mind climatic and religious needs. In the rural
areas of Punjab, men wear dhoti, kurta, shalwar, kameez and turban. Women like
to wear dupatta, shalwar and kurta. In urban areas shalwar kameez, pants and coat,
sherwani and waistcoat are preferred. A baggy shalwar with many folds is preferred
in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh. Women like to wear embroidered
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clothes. On the occasion of a wedding, the bridal dresses are very beautiful.
Shah, Hazrat Sarmast in Sindh, Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai in Sindh are held yearly.
The annual fair of Sibbi is also very famous.
7. Sports
The Pakistani teams of cricket, hockey, and squash etc are world famous. The tournaments
of different sports are held at district, divisional, provincial and the national level. Polo
is extremely popular in Gilgit and the Northern Areas.
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8. Religious festivals
The majority of the population of Pakistan are Muslims. They celebrate their different
religions and social festivals with fervour. These festivals include Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-
Azha, Eid-Milad-un-Nabi, Shab-e-Meraj and Shab-e-Baraat. These festivals are an
important part of our centuries old culture. Youm-e-Ashura is observed with religious
respect and dignity.
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Commonality in Regional Cultures Leading to
National Integration and Cohesion
The effects of Islamic values
There are effects of Islamic values thriving in South Asian cultures on regional cultures
of Pakistan. The Muslims coming to South Asia gave the people a new lifestyle whose
central values include, brotherhood, equality, social justice and honesty. These new
values appealed to the local people who were in the grip of a caste system. In a short
span of time Islam spread to all corners of South Asia. Today these regional cultural
similarities are a source of integration and cohesion.
Provincial cultures
All four provinces of Pakistan have their provincial cultures. There are differences in
civilization to some extent, present in their customs and traditions and lifestyles. In
spite of regional and linguistic differences, with the passage of time regional cultural
similarities are thriving. Despite living in different regions, people have the feeling of
being close to each other and have a sense of being linked to each other. This gives
birth to integration and cohesion. National identity is strengthened which is quite
encouraging.
Education System
Our education system, the subjects and topics taught are also a source of focusing
attention on cultural similarities. This increases joint cultural values. For the growth of
culture, the minds of children are trained on national lines. Common cultural values are
inculcated in them.
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authors and poets of national and regional languages. The poets include Hazrat Sultan
Bahu, Baba Bulley Shah and Waris Shah from the Punjab, Hazrat Sachal Sarmast and
Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai from Sindh, Rahman Baba from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and
Gul Khan Naseer from Balochistan. These all religious personalities gave the same
teachings of love, attachment and brotherhood.
1. Inflation
The fast growing population of Pakistan is showing negative effects on its per capita
income. Opportunities for savings are getting fewer and the standard of living is falling.
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4. Weak economy
A lot of people are unemployed because of the country’s weak economy. This leads to
turmoil in the country.
5. Poverty
There is a lack of appropriate employment opportunities and due to poverty the
standard of living of people is low. For the eradication of poverty it is important that
new employment opportunities should be created and resources should be improved.
Urdu
Urdu is the national language of Pakistan and also holds the status of a symbol of
national identity. It is a language of communication. During the Muslim role in South
Asia people from different areas were recruited in the army (lashkar) of those days.
These people were Punjabi, Sindhi, Pathan, Bengali, Baloch, Arab, Irani, Turkish,
Hindustani, etc. These people spoke different languages. While in the army, their
mixing up with each other created a new language, Urdu (lashkar). Urdu is a Turkish
word which means ‘army’.
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●● During the struggle for independence and after the creation of Pakistan, there
was an atmosphere of freedom and confidence in the development of Urdu
literature. Different authors wrote prominent works in their forms of literature.
The forms worth mentioning include research and criticism, poetry, novel
writing, drama writing and story writing.
Regional Languages
A study of the beginning and development of a few famous regional languages of
Pakistan is given below:
1. Punjabi
Punjabi is an ancient language of the Punjab. Its link is with the ancient Darawari or
Harpai language. Due to historical and geographical changes, it has six major accents
and dialects. These are called by different names. Shah Puri, Majhi, Chachi, Saraiki,
Dhani and Pothwari are some of these. The best is considered to be the Majhi accent
which is in use in Lahore and the areas surrounding it.
The knowledge and literature of Punjabi can be traced to Mahmood Ghaznavi’s times.
The topics of poetry of that time were mysticism, love and romance, and patriotism.
This brings to mind the name of Hazrat Baba Farid Ganj Shakar. Guru Nanak was also
a great poet of Punjabi. Then comes the age of Sultan Bahu, Baba Bulley Shah and
Khawaja Farid. Along with mysticism, the colour and effects of the social and political
situation of their age were dominant in their works. The expression of these can be seen
in special and commonly understood symbols. This is the reason for their verse being
so popular amongst people.
Folk tale has a special position in Punjabi poetry. The famous poets who gave folk
tale a poetic touch are Waris Shah (Qissa Heer Ranjha), Hashim Shah (Qissa Sassi
Punnu), Hafiz Barkhurdar (Qissa Mirza Sahiban), Fazal Shah (Qissa Sohni Mahiwal)
etc. These tales not only have excellent poetry but also contain forceful reflections of
the history of the Punjab of those times – its social, religious and economic life.
Among the works of famous Punjabi novel writers, the novels of Dabir Singh, Meeran
Singh and Sayedan Buksh Minhas are very famous. There is no counterpart of Punjabi
literature as it presents a forceful, effective and blunt picture. It has the ability to express
the tiniest feelings of life in its forms of narration. These include waar, dhot, mahiya,
dohay, ghori, sithniyaan, tappay, simmi, boliyaan, etc.
After the 20th century, different people did invaluable work in novel writing, drama
writing, narrative writing, research and criticism and other forms of prose. Television
and radio have served to develop modern drama writing. In the department of Punjabi
of the University of the Punjab, the courses of MA Punjabi and Ph.D. are taught.
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2. Sindhi
Sindhi is an ancient language which is spoken in the province of Sindh. As it is related to
Ariyai Family it is spoken in the Indus River Valley and the areas near it. This language
has the effects of the following languages: Greek, Turkish, Irani, Darawari, Sanskrit,
Arabic, Persian and other ancient languages. It is written in the Arabic script. After the
advent of the British, English words were also included in Sindhi, which increased the
literature and vocabulary reserves of Sindhi. Sindhi is stronger than the other regional
languages of Pakistan due to its old cultural heritage.
There are many accents of Sindhi. In lower Sindh and its Rajasthani area, Kichi,
Kathiawari and Aqdi dialects are spoken. In its other areas the dialects in use
are Kohistani, Saraiki and Vicholi. The high standard of its accent is foremost in
knowledgeable literary and journalistic writings.
In the whole of the Muslim world’s local languages, Sindhi is the first language to have
a translation of the Holy Quran. Sindhi was a developed language, it was a common
practice to read and write in it, even before the coming of Islam. After the arrival of
Islam, Sindhi too had importance along with Arabic.
From 1050 to 1350 special contribution was made to create literary and religious works.
This is accepted as the early age of literature in the Sindhi language. During this time
the topics written on were patriotism, determination, self respect and spiritual beliefs.
This period’s Dastaan, Qissa and Gunaan are worth mentioning. Gunaan is a unique
style of poetry. Sufi saints of this time (belonging to different schools of thought) spread
the teachings of Islam through poetry.
The Sufi poets like Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and Sachal Sarmast had enriched Sindhi
literature through their exemplary poetry. This age is called the golden age of Sindhi
literature. Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai made prominent the dignity of the common life
and poor labour class. He adopted a style of using similes in poetry. He took his basic
subject matter from Sindhi folk tales. That is why the echo of his poetry can be heard in
every corner of Sindh. His collection of poetry is called Shah Jo Rasalo.
The highly esteemed poet Sachal Sarmast wrote poetry in Sindhi, Urdu, Saraiki, Punjabi
and Persian. He was a man with Sufi qualities. In mysticism his special topic was Unity
of Existence (Wahdat ul Wajood).
Along with poetry, in prose also a wealth of literature was gathered due to the collective
efforts of teachers, scholars and preachers. The efforts of Abul Hassan Sindhi in this
respect are prominent. He used the Arabic script for writing Sindhi to create a new
script.
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Another name in this context is of Makhdoom Muhammad Hashim. He was a great
religious scholar. He wrote about 150 books in Persian and Sindhi. The topic of these
books is the elaboration and correction of religious beliefs. Some of these books still
have the role of course books in Madrassas and in Jamia Al Azhar (Egypt). During this
period Akhwand Aziz Ullah wrote a prose translation of the Holy Quran.
During British rule Sindhi developed a lot. The name of Mirza Qaleech Beg is very
important for this age. He wrote nearly 400 books on poetry and on other topics. During
the British reign, the political and social life in the subcontinent underwent many
important changes. People’s awareness grew stronger.
During this age Sindhi journalism flourished. In 1970 Maulvi Malaah wrote the
translation of the Holy Quran in verse. Bait, Wai, Kaafi and Molood are special forms
of Sindhi literature. Modern literary trends affected Sindhi as well.
After Pakistan came into being, much work has been done in the modern prose, play
literature etc. Modern writers of sindhi language have harmonized the modern trend
with the classical one. They have revived all forms of prose. In this regard, Sindhi
language development institution plays a prominent role. Development in research and
criticism has also been made.
3. Pushto
Pushto or Pakhto is spoken in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It traces its origin
to Bakhat or Bakht, an area in Afghanistan about five thousand years ago. In this
connection the speakers of this language are called Pashtun or Pakhtun, later replaced
by Pakhto or Pushto.
Like other languages, literature in this language began in poetry.The first book of prose
was written in the last decade of the 18th century. The name of this book is Patah
Khazana. By the end of the 13th century, Pushto literature had absorbed the external
influences. The use of Arabic and Persian words can be seen in it.
There are three accents in the Pushto language. One accent is of the northeast region,
the second of the southwest region and the third is of the Zai tribe. Basically, the only
difference between the three is of the pronunciation.
Ameer Krore is thought to be the first poet of nazm (poem) in the Pushto language. In
the reigns of Ghias-ud-din Balban and Sher Shah Suri qaseeda and madh forms were
not part of Pushto literature. Researchers found an old, writing, ‘Tazkara-tul-Aulia’
comprising 1200 pages, from which it can be deduced that the Pushto poets of this era
also tried their hands at the hamd-o-naat forms.
In Mahmud Ghaznavi’s era, a person named Saifullah actually prepared Pushto
alphabet which is still in use. The topics worth mentioning which feature prominently
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in Pushto poetry are liberty, honour, war, etc. Mysticism is mentioned too. Mulla Mast
is acknowledged the leader in this form. Khushal Khan Khattak is a great Pushto poet.
In addition to being a master of the pen, he was a master of the sword too. He expressed
this in these words “Those moments are worth seeing for Khushal, when the sword and
the suit of armor clink”. In his poetry, Khushal Khan has written about different fields
of life. The prominent topics in them are love of the Creator, love of a fellow human
being, mysticism, behavior, liberty and bravery.
The second greatest poet of Pushto literature is Rahman Baba. This humble poet was
always immersed in moods of romance and mysticism and the same are the topics of
his poetry. According to him, romance is the reason for the creation of the universe.
Rahman Baba holds a high position in the Pushtun society. The style of Khushal Khan
Khattak and Rahman Baba is like a milestone in Pushto literature and its impression
can be found in the poets that came later.
In Pushto literature folk songs are an unparalleled asset. Pushto literature has many
facets but chaarbeeta, tappa, laimkai, etc. are its very famous forms. Some poets
have made the different forms of folk songs, the topic of their poetry. These poets
include Noor Din, Mulla Maqsood, etc. Pushto prose started developing in the 20th
century. After Pakistan came into being, under the influence of modern education, the
writers, who possessed new ideas and thoughts did prominent work in writing a Pushto
dictionary, grammar writing, biography, short story writing, novel and drama.
4. Balochi
The Balochi language is spoken in the province of Balochistan in Pakistan. it is related
to Aryan languages. No matter how many viewpoints there are about how old the
Balochi language is or about its families. It is still a fact that the Balochi literature’s age
of development was after the creation of Pakistan. There are two main accents of the
Balochi language, one Sulemani and the other Makrani. Although the Balochi script
was already invented but the ancient Balochi literature came very late in written form.
In totality, Balochi poetry can be divided into three parts. In Balochi poetry, the more
important and first part is of epic poetry. The topics included in it are courage, grandeur,
honour and bravery.
The second part is of romantic poetry. In it, beauty and romance, youth and other topics
are found. The third part covers folk stories. In it, the forms of lori and motak have been
presenting the reflection of social life from the olden times.
In 1840, the work of introducing the ancient Balochi poetry began. In Balochi literature,
in old and classical prose, the tales of Mir Chakar Khan, Hassan Zandu, Pir Nag Wagran
Nazsha, Mureed Wahani, etc are famous and popular.
The first book in the history of the Balochi language and literature was written by Sher
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Kamsir Marri. In the Balochi poetry of the British era the topics of mysticism, morals
and hatred against the Britishers are found. In this era, the poet of high calibre was Mast
Tawakli.
After the creation of Pakistan, by adding and removing the letters of the Urdu alphabet,
a quality script was developed for Balochi. Balochi magazines and journals marked the
speedy development of Balochi literature.
In 1960, with the publication of the first Balochi magazine, journalism and literature
found a new direction in the Balochi language. The Balochistan University started the
Ph.D. degree in the Balochi language.
5. Kashmiri
According to modern research, the Kashmiri language is linked to the language of the
Indus Valley. It has several famous dialects from which Musalmanki, Hindki, Gandoro
and Gami are more popular. Gandoro is considered to be a more literary dialect.
Kashmiri literature is divided into the following five different eras:
In the first era, folk songs were promoted. In this kind of poetry, the expression of
the collective thinking and feeling of the Kashmiri society is found. In the Kashmiri
dialect, it is called Rauf Yalol.
In the second era, topics of Ilahyat were written about. The famous poet of this era
was Shati Kanth. In the third era, the practice of giving a poetic touch to the stories of
romance began. Hiba Khatoon was the major poetess of this era. In the poetic stories of
this era in along with Persian and Arabic, stories were also presented in the Kashmiri
language. In this connection, the names of Armani Laal Mulla Faqir etc are prominent
in the Kashmiri language and literature. The man behind this was Mahmud Gami. The
fifth era prospered under the shadow of modern literature. This retains new thoughts
and trends. Ghulam Ahmed Mahjor holds a special position in this era. In addition to
local creations in the Kashmiri literature, translations from other languages were done
also. Iranian literature, especially after translations of ghazal and masnavi, was also
adopted in Kashmiri poetry as a creative form. Kashmiriat is taught as a subject at the
Azad Kashmir University.
6. Saraiki
The Saraiki language is spoken on both sides of the River Indus in the central
regions of Pakistan. Its main districts in the province of the Punjab are Mianwali,
Bhakkar, Layyah,Muzaffargarh, Dera Ghazi Khan, Raajanpur, Multan, Khanewal,
Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur etc. Other than Punjab, it is used in the districts of the
other three provinces too. For example in Sindh-Kashmore, Jacobabad and Sukkur,
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in Balochistan- Barkhan, Naseerabad and Jhal Magsi, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Dera
Ismail Khan and Tank, a large number of people are Saraiki speaking. The major poets
of Saraiki literature include Hazrat Sachal Sarmast (RA) and Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam
Fareed (RA). Articles, short stories and dramas are being written in this language. This
language too is developing rapidly.
7. Brahvi
In Pakistan, the majority of the people speaking the Brahvi language are living in the Kalat
regions and its surrounding areas in the province of Balochistan. Brahvi is commonly
written in the Persian and Arabic script. Folk literature is present in this language of
which the story of Laila Mor is more famous. In the eighteenth century, Malik Dada
wrote ‘Tohfa tul Ajaib’ which is considered to be the first precious standard literature in
the Brahvi language. After this, Maulana Nabu Khan and Maulana Muhammad Dinpuri
prominently added to the great literary treasures of this language.
In the Brahvi language, side by side with the translations of the Holy Quran, the writings
on different religious topics are also present. Furthermore, newspaper and magazines
have been published in it too. The great Brahvi writers include Doctor Abdur Rahman
Brahvi, Nadir Qambrani Piral Muhammad Zubairani etc. For education and research
in this language, the department of Brahvi is established in the Balochistan University.
The Brahvi Academy set up in Quetta is playing an important role in promoting the
Brahvi language and literature.
8. Hindko
The Hindko language is spoken in the districts of Rawalpindi and Attock in the Punjab,
and in the districts of Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Peshawar and Kohat in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa. To promote this language, ‘Idara- Farogh-e-Hindko’, Peshawar, ‘Bazm-
e-ilm-o-fun’ Abbottabad and ‘Halqa Yaaraan’ Shinkiari are playing a major role. To
develop this language further, a monthly magazine ‘Farogh’ is published under the
supervision of Aurangzeb Ghaznavi. To develop the Hindko language, personalities like
Professor Sufi Abdul Rasheed, Colonel Fazal Akbar, Asif Saqib, Sharif Hussain Shah,
Professor Muhammad Fareed, Professor Yahya Khalid, Nazir Kasalvi and Muhammad
Hanif have worked hard. Ph.D. degrees are being awarded in this language too.
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liberty to worship according to their religions, perform customs, transmit and publish
their religious principles and set up their own religious organizations. They have been
given separate representation in Pakistan’s constitution. The government abolished the
separate system of elections and put into practice the mixed system of elections. In
this way, the long–awaited demand of the minorities was fullfilled. In the National
Assembly, ten seats have been reserved for the minorities; in the Punjab Assembly 8,
Sindh Assembly 9, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly 11 and Balochistan Assembly 3
seats have been reserved. In our federal and provincial cabinets, mostly a non-Muslim
minister is included. In the economic field too, citizens are given equal opportunities so
that they can improve their financial conditions.
To obtain government employment, the minorities have the same rights as the Muslims.
The constitution of Pakistan provides equal political, economic and social rights to
all citizens because of which good citizenship is promoted. The minorities living in
Pakistan should be aware of their rights and responsibilities. It is their responsibility
to be faithful to their country. Rising above all kinds of prejudices, they must elect a
people’s representative who should work for the country’s stability.
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Exercise
(Part-1)
1 Four options are given for each question. Tick ( ) the correct option.
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v. What is the role of Rehman Baba in the development of the Pushto language?
vi. Who was Hiba Khatoon?
vii. Which are the major games of Pakistan?
viii. Describe any five measures taken at the government level to resolve educational
problems.
(Part-2)
3 Give answers in detail.
i. State the basic features of Pakistani society and culture.
ii. Elaborate on the educational structure in Pakistan.
iii. Why is Urdu called the national language of communication in Pakistan?
iv. Explain the various stages of development of the Urdu, Punjabi and Sindhi
languages.
v. Elaborate on the major social problems of Pakistan.
vi. Explain the role of the minorities in Pakistan.
vii. Explain ‘Regional cultural similarities are means of integration and cohesion’.
viii. Describe the work of the following different poets and prose writers with
reference to languages:
(a) Balochi (b) Pushto (c) Kashmiri
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