Islamabad: The Pakistan Mother Languages Literature Festival 2026 concluded at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) with a strong call for an inclusive language policy, institutional collaboration, and the expansion of mother-tongue-based education across the country.
The three-day festival was organised by Indus Cultural Forum in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, marking the 11th year of its success. The festival brought together scholars, writers, policymakers, artists, and civil society representatives to celebrate Pakistan’s rich linguistic diversity.
The central theme of the final day focused on translating dialogue into action. Discussions explored how public institutions, universities, and community organizations can strengthen the use of mother languages in governance, education, research, and public awareness. Speakers urged a shift in state policy toward harmony instead of uniformity, emphasizing that this is only possible through the recognition of diversity.
Prominent speakers included Member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Nisar Baaz Khan, former Federal Minister and prominent writer Madad Ali Sindhi, scholar Dr. Khadim Hussain, Vice Chancellors of public universities Dr. Raza Bhatti, Dr. Madad Ali Shah, Maleeha Sattar, Dr. Ishaq Samejo, Dr. Sher Mehrani, Amjad Nazir, Warda Shahzadi, Hamza Ijaz, and several other writers and intellectuals.
The opening session, “Use of Mother Languages for Public Awareness,” highlighted initiatives in legal literacy, agricultural extension, and civic communication conducted in regional languages including Sindhi, Pashto, and Balochi. Speakers emphasized that public service delivery becomes more effective when communities are addressed in their native languages.
In the session on “Language Policy and Politics of Pakistan,” experts examined constitutional provisions and education frameworks, urging policymakers to treat multilingualism as a national strength. The speakers unanimously demanded the formation of a language commission to determine the status of all languages of the country, with a focus on recognizing Pakistan’s centuries-old indigenous languages.
A major highlight was the session on linguistic research and the revitalization of endangered languages. Scholars presented work on Sindhi sociolinguistics, Khowar oral traditions, Gawarbati documentation, Kohistani rhetoric, Pahari and Pothohari literature, Seraiki literary history, and Brahui scholarship. The discussion underscored documentation, translation, and digital archiving as urgent priorities.
Another session, “Folk Literature and Climate Change,” explored how indigenous storytelling and music can promote environmental awareness, demonstrating the continued relevance of traditional knowledge systems in addressing contemporary challenges.
Representatives from the Sindhi Language Authority and the Pakistan Academy of Letters emphasized the responsibility of cultural institutions to support the publication, research, and promotion of regional languages. Dr. Sher Mehrani of the Sindhi Language Authority and Dr. Bibi Ameena from the Pakistan Academy of Letters highlighted the efforts being made by their respective institutions.
A panel on women as creators and curators of folk literature highlighted the central role of women in preserving oral traditions and transmitting cultural memory across generations. Speakers focused on how mothers begin inculcating folk wisdom in children from an early age.
Another session on “Innovative Efforts in Mother-Tongue Based Education” showcased community-driven and institutional models aimed at improving learning outcomes through multilingual curricula. Speakers reaffirmed that education in mother languages enhances comprehension and strengthens identity.
The Ahmed Saleem Study Circle paid tribute to literary giants including Shaikh Ayaz, Fahmida Riaz, Mubarak Kazi, and Syed Zahoor Hashmi, honoring their contributions to Pakistan’s multilingual literary landscape.
Chairman of Indus Cultural Forum, Naseer Memon, said in his remarks that celebrating linguistic diversity is a strong response to the growing suffocation in society. He added that while challenges to languages exist, their survival is not solely dependent on the government; speakers of these languages must also take responsibility and ownership.
The festival concluded with a musical evening celebrating Pakistan’s diverse linguistic traditions. The event was supported by leading academic, cultural, and development institutions, including the Sindh Culture Department, Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, UNESCO, Sindhi Language Authority, Balochistan Culture Department, Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Shaheed Benazirabad, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan Science Foundation, Forum for Language Initiatives, Sindh Rural Support Organisation, Development in Literacy, SZABIST Islamabad, Society for Alternate Media and Research, and other partners.
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