Sir: On February 15, 2017, in response to a petition filled by advocate Saifur Rehman, the Lahore High Court directed the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) to conduct Central Superior Services (CSS) examination in Urdu language next year. The petition says that FPSC did not mention which language will be used for the examination. In 2015, the Supreme Court had passed a similar judgment in connection with mainstreaming Urdu as an official language. It is reported that 92 percent candidates fail in English essay and precise papers. Could this abrupt, ad hoc switch over from English to Urdu cure the deteriorated system overnight? Will the respected judges and the other important players behind this move send their children to Urdu medium public schools? In the wake of globalisation, can Pakistan afford bypassing English language given its versatile status in the comity of nations? The comparison with the west and European countries which impart education in their respective national languages is farfetched and illogical. These countries have vibrant track record of democracy, good governance, economic potential, social equality, uniform education system, to name just a few. Pakistan’s checkered democratic history and internal destability have morphed into many potential challenges confronting the state while the developed countries have overcome these issues systematically. Logic dictates that until the official language is switched over from English to Urdu in all government departments, these short cuts and ad hoc measures could not bear fruits in the long term. Reforms need to be introduced slowly and gradually with the aim of revamping the ailing system instead of promoting parochial, narrow interests. Of present, the CSS examination should be conducted both in English and Urdu. This will pave the way for robust, holistic policy options. It is not too late. The public curricula, from primary to tertiary, should be reformed on a war footing. Civil service reforms could be initiated with the help of civil society organisations, all political stakeholders, and donor agencies. SAEED ULLAH KHAN WAZIR Baka khel