Islamabad: After an amendment in the Punjab Assembly of Pakistan, MLAs will now be able to speak in at least four native languages including Punjabi in the House, apart from English and Urdu.
A special committee of the Punjab Assembly led by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan on Thursday approved amendments that will allow lawmakers to speak in Punjabi, Seraiki, Potohari and Mewati in addition to English and Urdu, The Express Tribune newspaper reported. Allow to address.
Earlier a member required permission from the Speaker to use any language other than English and Urdu, which was not always granted.
The amendments to the Assembly rules are intended to increase access for constituents who speak these languages, promoting a more representative and accountable legislative body, while the change reflects the multilingual nature of the province, allowing legislators to communicate and participate more effectively in legislative discussions. To be enabled to participate.
The Speaker said that recognizing and including regional languages in official proceedings also reflects cultural respect and acknowledgment of the linguistic heritage of Punjab, thereby strengthening the relationship between the Assembly and the people.
There is controversy over whether Saraiki, Potohari and Mewati are just dialects of Punjabi and separate languages. Those who use them believe that these were different languages but staunch Punjabis call them dialects.
A special committee of the Punjab Assembly led by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan on Thursday approved amendments that will allow lawmakers to speak in Punjabi, Seraiki, Potohari and Mewati in addition to English and Urdu, The Express Tribune newspaper reported. Allow to address.
Earlier a member required permission from the Speaker to use any language other than English and Urdu, which was not always granted.
The amendments to the Assembly rules are intended to increase access for constituents who speak these languages, promoting a more representative and accountable legislative body, while the change reflects the multilingual nature of the province, allowing legislators to communicate and participate more effectively in legislative discussions. To be enabled to participate.
The Speaker said that recognizing and including regional languages in official proceedings also reflects cultural respect and acknowledgment of the linguistic heritage of Punjab, thereby strengthening the relationship between the Assembly and the people.
There is controversy over whether Saraiki, Potohari and Mewati are just dialects of Punjabi and separate languages. Those who use them believe that these were different languages but staunch Punjabis call them dialects.
