The Truth About Urdu and Muhajirs in Pakistan: Debunking the Dominance Myth

In recent times, a common question has surfaced, Do you think Muhajirs are trying to dominate the language and culture of Pakistan? This question often stems from a flawed assumption about the origin and history of the Urdu language. Let's delve into the truth behind this claim and debunk the myth using factual information.

Back to the Origins of Urdu

The belief that the Urdu language is a relic of North Indian Delhi and exclusive to Muhajirs is a misconception. The roots of Urdu can be traced back to the reign of the Ghaznavid Empire, where it first appeared in the Punjab with Lahore as the capital. Over the centuries, it evolved from a local dialect influenced by Khariboli.

By the end of the British Raj, Urdu, along with other languages, became the native language for a significant portion of North India, regardless of religion or ethnicity. Many North Indians, including Muhajirs, spoke it as their native language before they moved to Pakistan. Following independence, Pakistan recognized Urdu as its national language, albeit with diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Muhajirs and Language

It is crucial to note that not all Muhajirs spoke Urdu natively. Large numbers of Muhajirs came from various linguistic backgrounds, such as Gujarati, Rajasthani, and others. The assumption that Muhajirs brought Urdu with them overlooks the linguistic diversity among Pakistani migrants.

The Role of Muhajirs in Politics

While Muhajirs have had a significant influence in Pakistani politics, particularly in media and financial sectors, their impact on the nation's language and culture is overstated. Historically, the influence of Urdu-speaking politicians peaked in the early years of Pakistan's independence.

Notably, Yawal Sher Ali Khan who served as Prime Minister from 1951 to 1953 was one of the last Urdu-speaking leaders. Similarly, the last Urdu-speaking President, Mohammad Buttar, served from 1978 to 1989. The leadership of Urdu speakers in the civil service, which formed the backbone of governance, began to wane significantly with the arrival of Ayub Khan in 1958. Ayub Khan's policies, and those of Yahya Khan and Z. A. Bhutto, saw a purge in the senior civil service between 1965 and 1973. By the 1980s, almost all of the Urdu-speaking officers had retired.

This shift should be the focal point if one is to look for responsible actors for the current state of affairs in Pakistan. It is now clear that the Urdu-speaking community has not had a significant influence on the language and culture for decades.

Current Influence of Urdu Speakers

Despite the historical relevance, Urdu speakers no longer wield significant influence in various tools traditionally used for cultural and linguistic domination, such as media, education, and government institutions. Urdu speakers do not own and operate television or radio stations, magazines, newspapers, schools, or universities. They do not have a majority presence in provincial or federal assemblies.

The question then arises: If not language and media, how are Urdu speakers dominating the culture and language of Pakistan? The answer is, they do not. The current dominance of Urdu, or any specific language, in Pakistan is supported by the national and provincial governments, not solely by the Urdu-speaking community.

This undermines the narrative that Muhajirs or Urdu speakers are attempting to dominate the language and culture. The real issues facing Pakistan lie elsewhere, and the focus should be on addressing the underlying problems for a better future.

In conclusion, the claim that Muhajirs are trying to dominate Pakistan's language and culture is a misnomer. Historical facts and current realities support the notion that the Urdu-speaking community has had a diminishing influence over time and does not dominate the country in any meaningful way today.