Harmony instead of uniformity: Pakistan Mother Languages Literature Festival 2026 Concludes with Call for Positive Change in State Policies Towards Languages
ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
The Pakistan Mother Languages Literature Festival 2026 concluded at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) with a strong call for inclusive language policy, institutional collaboration, and the expansion of mother-tongue-based education across the country.
Speaking as Chief Guest, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said all Pakistani languages are national language. Even if a language is spoken by one Pakistani, it is Pakistan’s national language. He said all languages should be treated equally regardless of how many people speak. He said we are committed to expand the scope of Federal cultural institutions to all the provinces so foster dialogue and collaboration among various languages. He said this festival represents Pakistan’s real identity.
The three-day festival was organized by Indus Cultural Forum in collaboration with Pakistan National Council of the Arts, which marked 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. The speakers urged a shift in state policy was needed which focuses on harmony instead of uniformity, which was possible only through recognition of diversity.
Prominent speakers of the day were Member of 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 a number of 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 that a language commission should be formed to determine status of all languages of the country with focus on recognizing centuries old indigenous languages of Pakistan.
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 Pakistan Academy of Letters emphasized the responsibility of cultural institutions to support publication, research, and promotion of regional languages. Dr. Sher Mehrani of Sindhi Language Authority and Dr. Bibi Ameena from 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. The speakers focused on how women as mothers start inculcating folk wisdom among the children from 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. The 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 and Fahmida Riaz, Mubarak Kazi and Syed Zahoor Hashmi honoring their contributions to Pakistan’s multilingual literary landscape.
Chairman of Indus Cultural Forum, Naseer Memon in his remarks said celebrating linguistic diversity is strong response to growing suffocation in the society. He said we all are aware of challenges to the languages but their survival is not only dependent on government but the speakers of languages should take responsibility and ownership.
The festival concluded with a musical evening celebrating Pakistan’s diverse linguistic traditions. The festival was supported by leading academic, cultural, and development institutions including 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.