Regional Languages of Pakistan

Pakistan is a multi-lingual country. No less than twenty-four languages

and dialects are spoken by the people of Pakistan, but mainly include
five regional languages Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi, Pushto, Brahvi and
Kashmiri. These languages are rich in literature, poetry, folksongs and
spiritual sayings of their respective saints and contribute greatly to the
culture of Pakistan.

1. Punjabi

Punjabi is the local language of the province of the Punjab which is the
biggest province of Pakistan with regard to population and development.
It has its links with the Aryan language Prakrit. Before partition it was
spoken in Delhi, Dhirpur, Peshawar and Jammu too. However as time
rolled on the vocabulary of Punjabi language became a mixture of
Persian, Arabic and Turkish words. It has different dialects in different
parts of Punjabi like Saraiki and Potohari but the basic language remains
the same.

Famous Punjabi Poets

Some of the famous poets of Punjabi language are:

* Baba Farid Shakar Ganj Baksh

* Sheikh Ibrahim Farid Shani

* Madholal Hussein

* Sultan Bahu

* Bullay Shah

* Ali Haider
* Waris Shah

2. Sindhi

Sindhi is one of the important regional languages of Pakistan. It appears

that Sindhi was spoken in the Indus Delta from time immemorial. It is
said that the language of the people of Moen-jo-Daro contained
elements of the present Sindhi language.

Famous Sindhi Poets

Some of famous Sindhi Poets are

* Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai

* Sachal Sarmast

* Makhdoom Noor

* Shah Inayat

* Bedil

* Sabit Ali Shah

* Kazi Kazah

3. Balochi

Balochi is the regional language of Balochistan. It is the least developed

of all the regional languages. It was spread by Balochi tribal migrated
from Iran.

Well known poets of Balochi language are

* Jam Darag

* Shah Murid

* Shahdad

4. Pushto

Pushto is the regional language of the N.W.F.P and tribal areas. It

belongs to the East Iranian group of languages and contains many
Persian, Arabic, Greek and Pehlevi words.

Famous Pushto Poets

Some of the well known poets of Pushto language are:

* Amir Karoro

* Khushal Khan Khatak

* Rehman Baba

* Sher Shah Soori

* Saif ullah

* Kazim Kazim