Is Dari Still Spoken in Pakistan?

While Dari, a dialect of Persian, is primarily spoken in Iran, it is still spoken in several parts of Pakistan, albeit to a lesser extent. This article delves into the current status of Dari in Pakistan, its historical roots, and its influence on Pakistani culture and language.

The Presence of Dari in Pakistan

Despite not having a strong historical root in Pakistan, there are still pockets where Dari is spoken, particularly in the Balochistan region. DEHWARI, a dialect of Dari, is widely spoken in Mastung, Kalat districts, and Sarawan area. However, it has been influenced by languages such as Urdu, Pashto, Brahvi, and Sindhi due to historical changes post-1947.

Dari in Pakistan: A Closer Look

The minority of Pakistanis who speak Dari include:

Hazara Shias: They form a significant part of Dari speakers in Pakistan, particularly in Quetta city, where Dari speakers number around 700,000 to 900,000. These Hazaras migrated from Afghanistan in the late 19th century and were initially given permission by the British to settle in Quetta for peaceful shelter. Afghan War Refugees: Many Afghans who fled the war in Afghanistan also speak Dari, bringing their language to various parts of Pakistan. Local Dari Speakers: There are local Dari speakers who migrated from present-day Afghanistan to Pakistan before the Afghan war, and some who may have moved from the Dehra Dun region of India to Pakistan during the partition period. Members of Royal Afghan Family: Some members of the Afghan royal family, who relocated to India during the partition, later moved to Pakistan. Notable figures include Indian actors Feroz Khan and Fardeen Khan.

Debates on Dari's Identity

The debate over whether Dari should be considered a distinct language or a dialect of Persian continues. However, it is widely acknowledged that Dari has Persianate traits.

Influence of Persian on Pakistani Culture and History

Although Dari might not be spoken widely, Persian and its influence are deeply embedded in Pakistani culture and history. This is evident from several aspects:

National Anthem: Pakistan's national anthem is in Persian. The words 'Pakistan' originates from the Persian word 'Punjab', meaning 'land of five rivers'. Geography: The name 'Punjabi' itself is a Persian word, meaning 'land of five rivers'. Historical Linguistic Influence: Persian was the official and educational language in the subcontinent before the arrival of the British. Mughal Empire: The Mughal rulers, who were known as Mughals in Persian, had their roots in regions like the Kho-e-Hindukush Mountains where Dari is still spoken widely. They favored Persian as their official language. Current Administration: Even in the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Punjab, Persian remained the official language.

In conclusion, while Dari may not be as prominently spoken in Pakistan as it is in other Persian-speaking regions, its presence and influence are undeniable. These linguistic and cultural elements continue to shape the rich tapestry of Pakistani society and its connections to its historical and cultural heritage.