Daily Times

Sir: Language is not only the instrument of communication but also a tool to preserve cultural heritage, which shapes the identity of its people. Language also helps conserve regional knowledge. The language of the people of Punjab is Punjabi but the majority of Punjabis prefer Urdu because Punjabi is considered an uncivilized language. Children are punished for speaking Punjabi in schools. Consequently, Punjabi is being marginalized in a systematic way and no effort is being made by the government to promote it.
During the British rule, Punjabi was replaced by Urdu in 1848. After the British rule, the systematic marginalization of the Punjabi language continued because the majority of the educated people who were at the helm of affairs were Urdu-speaking. Contrary to the Bengalis who fought for their language, the Punjabis did not bother to raise even a whimper in favour of promoting the Punjabi language. It is a deplorable reality that Sindhi and Pashto are taught in schools but not Punjabi.

Tayyab butt
Sialkot