Following modern pedagogical research, the 2024 policy encourages the use of the mother tongue or local regional languages for primary-level instruction to improve comprehension, with a gradual transition to Urdu and English.
412
Which article of the Constitution of Pakistan makes it the state's responsibility to provide free and compulsory education to children aged 5 to 16?
Article 25-A was inserted into the Constitution via the 18th Amendment in 2010. It mandates that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such a manner as may be determined by law, essentially making education a fundamental human right.
413
Which Sufi saint is known as 'Sachal Sarmast' and wrote poetry in seven languages, reflecting the mystic diversity of Sindh?
Sachal Sarmast (the 'Truthful Mystic') was an 18th-century Sufi poet from Sindh. He is celebrated for his message of universal love and for writing poetry in Sindhi, Seraiki, Persian, Urdu, Arabic, Balochi, and Punjabi. His shrine is in Khairpur, and his Urs is a major event for those who follow the mystical path of 'Wahdat-ul-Wajud'.
414
Which language is traditionally called the 'Lashkari' language because it developed in the military camps of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire?
The word 'Urdu' itself comes from the Turkish word for 'Army' or 'Camp'. The language developed as a mix of local Prakrits with Persian, Arabic, and Turkish influences among the soldiers of the ruling dynasties, eventually becoming the literary and national language of Pakistan.
415
The 'National Language Authority' (Muqtadira Qaumi Zaban) is located in which city?
Now known as the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), it is headquartered in Islamabad. Its primary role is to develop and standardize Urdu for use in all fields of life.
416
Which language is used as the 'Medium of Instruction' in the Majority of government primary schools in rural Punjab?
While Punjabi is the mother tongue, Urdu is the primary medium of instruction in government schools in Punjab. This has been a point of debate, with many activists calling for the introduction of Punjabi at the primary level to improve learning outcomes.
417
What is the primary language of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) region?
While Kashmiri is the language of the valley (Indian-held), the most widely spoken native language in Azad Kashmir is Pahari-Pothohari (often called Mirpuri in some areas). Urdu is used as the official and educational language.
418
Which language is primarily used in the superior courts (High Courts and Supreme Court) of Pakistan as the official medium of proceedings?
Despite Urdu being the national language, English remains the official language of the superior judiciary in Pakistan. Most judgments, legal arguments, and official documentation in high courts and the Supreme Court are conducted in English.
419
Which language serves as the 'Lingua Franca' (common language) of Pakistan, enabling communication between different ethnic groups?
While it is the mother tongue of less than 10% of the population, Urdu serves as the lingua franca of Pakistan. It is understood and spoken as a second language by the vast majority of the population, facilitating trade, education, and social interaction across all provinces.
420
Which language was the first to be granted the status of 'Provincial Language' in Pakistan to be taught in schools alongside Urdu?
Sindhi has a long history of being used in formal education and administration. It was the first provincial language to be given official status within the Sindh province, with a mandatory curriculum in provincial schools since the 1970s.
