ISLAMABAD: Lawmakers in Punjab Assembly of Pakistan can now also speak at least four native languages including Punjabi apart from English and Urdu after an amendment was passed. The Express Tribune newspaper reported that a special committee of the Punjab Assembly, headed by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, on Thursday approved amendments allowing legislators to speak the House’s language or Punjabi, Saraiki, Potohari, or Mewati alongside English and Urdu.
Previously this was only allowed if a legislator received permission from the Speaker who did not always give it.
The proposed changes to the rules of procedure aimed at making these areas more accessible to citizens who are versed in such tongues thus forming a more representative and accountable law making organ whereas their realignment reflects the multilingual nature of the province enabling lawmakers to communicate effectively during legislative debates.
According to him, inclusion of regional languages into official proceedings is indicative of cultural respect as well as acceptance for linguistic heritage therefore strengthening link between legislature and its people.
Saraiki, Potohari and Mewati are dialects from Punjabi or different languages in dispute. Those who talk them consider them separate languages whereas others describe them as mere dialectic terms for hardcore Punjabi hardliners.