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Islamabad - The Supreme Court was informed on Friday that the federal government had declared Urdu as the official language and now heads of the country, including the president, prime minister, federal ministers as well as senior government officials, will deliver speeches in Urdu in the country and during foreign tours.
The court was told that Urdu translations of government departments' policies and laws will be published within three months. A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja, heard the constitutional petition of Kokab Iqbal for declaring Urdu as the official language.
During the hearing, Information Secretary Azam Khan informed the court that the federal cabinet had approved the summary of declaring Urdu as the official language and the prime minister had signed the administrative order on July 6.
Under the said administrative order, heads of the country, including the president, prime minister, federal ministers as well as senior government officials, will deliver speeches in Urdu in the country on national days.
Azam Khan, while submitting the prime minister's order in the apex court, said dignitaries representing Pakistan during foreign tours will address in Urdu. However, the international audience will be provided English transcript of their speeches.
The information secretary further said that proceedings of the government functions as well as receptions will be conducted in Urdu and this process will be initiated step wise in three months.
During the hearing, Justice Jawwad Khawaja observed that the province of Balochistan had promulgated the Language Act of six languages besides holding the local bodies elections. While addressing the additional advocate-general of Punjab, he said the government of Balochistan had promoted the Punjabi language but Punjab did nothing for the promotion of Punjabi language.
news@khaleejtimes.com
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