Supreme Court Seeks Implementation Report On Enforcement Of Urdu As Official Language
The Supreme Court asked Federal and Provincial government to submit progress reports on the steps taken for the introduction of Urdu as the official language. The three member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Mushir Alam and comprising Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Dost Muhammad Khan heard the case over implementation of Urdu as official language. Earlier in September 2015 the Court had ordered federal government to take steps to implement Urdu language as the official language in government offices as envisaged under the Constitution.The court had also ordered for translation of all of the key documents in Urdu and asked President and Prime Minister to make their speeches in Urdu language.According to the new order the authorities were required to submit the report in a months time.
As per Article 251 of the Constitution of Pakistan, Urdu is the national language of Pakistan, and government is responsible to make arrangements for it being used for official and other purposes.
Constitution’s Article 251
(1)The national language of Pakistan is Urdu and arrangements shall be made for its being used for official and other purposes within fifteen years from the commencing day.
(2)Subject to clause (1), the English language may be used for official purposes until arrangements are made for its replacement by Urdu.
(3)Without prejudice to the status of the National language, a Provincial Assembly may by law prescribe measures for the teaching, promotion and use of a provincial language in addition to the national language.
