HYDERABAD: Speakers at a seminar held in Hyderabad on Friday demanded that the Sindhi language be granted the status of a national language through a constitutional amendment in Pakistan.
The event was organized by the Sindh United Thinkers Forum in connection with Sindhi Language Day, observed on April 10. Addressing the seminar, Syed Zain Shah said that Sindhi is not merely a language but an identity, and it deserves full constitutional recognition as a national language. He termed it a historical and cultural injustice that Sindhi enjoys national language status in India, while it is being denied the same in its own homeland.
He stressed that writers, scholars, and the Sindhi nation must unite to achieve this goal. He further urged the Sindh government to ensure the implementation of Sindhi as the official language in courts and other institutions.
Expressing concern over the poor state of institutions established for the promotion of the language, he hoped that officials would rise above personal interests to work for its development. Qazi Khadim, speaking on the occasion, highlighted that the economic utility of a language plays a key role in keeping it alive. He added that a strong language is one that not only absorbs words from others but also contributes its own vocabulary.
Ramzan Buriro, secretary of the forum, appreciated the contributions of digital activists, including Majid Bhurgri and his team, for promoting Sindhi in the digital world. Prof. Yaqoob Chandio urged participants to hold institutions accountable by questioning their performance in promoting the language.
Noted writer Naseer Mirza paid tribute to prominent literary figures including G.M. Syed, Dr. Nabi Bux Baloch, Pir Ali Muhammad Rashdi, Shaikh Ayaz, Niaz Humayuni, Hyder Bux Jatoi, and others for their services to Sindhi language and literature.
The seminar concluded with the adoption of several resolutions, including declaring April 10 as Sindhi Language Day, demanding constitutional recognition of Sindhi as a national language, enforcing its use in official, judicial, and educational institutions, and promoting its use in public life, business, and signboards across Sindh. A large number of writers, poets, and activists attended the seminar.
