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Lahore to host 2nd International Punjabi Conference
This move aligns with previous directives from the Lahore High Court, which had urged the government to officially recognize Punjabi as a formal language in the province.
Poster of the conference. / International Punjabi Conference.
Lahore is set to host the Second International Conference on Punjabi, bringing together a global assembly of scholars, activists, and advocates dedicated to advancing Punjabi language rights in Pakistan. A central aim of the conference is to promote Punjabi education by advocating for its inclusion as a compulsory subject in schools across Pakistan’s Punjab province.
The event is expected to be inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Mariam Nawaz Sharif, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first female leader in Pakistan to publicly support Punjabi as an official language in Lahore.
This move aligns with previous directives from the Lahore High Court, which had urged the government to officially recognize Punjabi as a formal language in the province. The court highlighted concerns over the longstanding neglect of Punjabi, describing it as a cultural heritage asset that has been marginalized in education and governance.
“Punjabi speakers in Pakistan have long felt as if their language has been treated like a stepchild,” said Ahmed Raza, the conference chairman and a committed language rights advocate. “Politicians have been misguided about the cultural and educational importance of Punjabi, but this conference intends to set the record straight.”
Conference attendees are hopeful that the event will drive significant policy changes, helping ensure the survival and growth of Punjabi for future generations. Cultural leaders and advocates of Punjabi envision that making the language compulsory in schools will strengthen its presence and prestige within Pakistan’s linguistic landscape.
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