| Citation(s) |
|---|
| 2025 SLG 3956 2025 SLD 3956 = 2025 CLC 469 |
Lahore High Court
Writ Petition No.16222 of 2013, decided on 13th February, 2023.
Before Muhammad Raza Qureshi, J
Ahmad Abdullah Dogar for Petitioner (in Writ Petition No. 16222 of 2013 and Writ Petition No. 10168 of 2012). Muhammad Azhar Siddique for Petitioner (in Writ Petition No. 23071 of 2014). Muhammad Fahad Nayab Karim for Petitioner (in Writ Petition No. 34254 of 2016). Sikandar Javed for Petitioner (in Writ Petition No. 17937 of 2016). Rana Arfan Ali, Assistant Attorney General for Pakistan. Ali Riaz Kirmani, A.A.G. for Province of Punjab. Zulfiqar Ali, Admin Officer, National Language Promotion Department, Islamabad. Date of hearing: 13th February, 2023.
Writ Petition No.16222 of 2013, decided on 13th February, 2023.
Before Muhammad Raza Qureshi, J
Ahmad Abdullah Dogar for Petitioner (in Writ Petition No. 16222 of 2013 and Writ Petition No. 10168 of 2012). Muhammad Azhar Siddique for Petitioner (in Writ Petition No. 23071 of 2014). Muhammad Fahad Nayab Karim for Petitioner (in Writ Petition No. 34254 of 2016). Sikandar Javed for Petitioner (in Writ Petition No. 17937 of 2016). Rana Arfan Ali, Assistant Attorney General for Pakistan. Ali Riaz Kirmani, A.A.G. for Province of Punjab. Zulfiqar Ali, Admin Officer, National Language Promotion Department, Islamabad. Date of hearing: 13th February, 2023.
Dr. MUHAMMAD SHARIF NIZAMI ---Petitioner
VERSUS
FEDERATION OF PAKISTAN and others ---Respondents
Law: Constitution of Pakistan, 1973
Section: 251(1),198
Constitution of Pakistan-------Arts. 251(1) & 189---National language (Urdu), implementation of---Language of Art. 251 of the Constitution leaves no room for further interpretation as the word "shall" in Art. 251(1) of the Constitution manifests that it is mandatory provision and not directory, therefore, the provisions of Art. 251 can neither be redundant nor defiance thereof can be allowed---Pursuant to Art. 251 of the Constitution, Urdu has been declared as national language of Pakistan and stipulates steps to be taken by Provinces for the promotion of provincial language in addition to the national language---National language is always a driving force behind unity of citizens of a country, which makes them distinct from other nations---This is possible only if the recognition and respect is given to the national language, therefore, it is pivotal that it should be graded as a primary language and preferred source of communication at every level---Apart from a name, a boundary, a currency and a flag, the national language makes a country respectable---Federal as well as Provincial Governments are bound to implement the provisions of Art. 251 as well as order of the Supreme Court of Pakistan---High Court directed the respondents to take steps for implementation of Urdu language---Constitutional petitions filed by concerned citizens were disposed of accordingly.Munir Hussain Bhatti, Advocate and others v. Federation of Pakistan and another PLD 2011 SC 407; Muhammad Yasin v. Federation of Pakistan through Secretary, Establishment Division, Islamabad and others PLD 2012 SC 132; Independent Media Corporation and others v. Federation of Pakistan and others PLD 2014 SC 657; The 'Contract Act, 1872, 2nd Edition/2011' by M Mahmood Advocate PLD 2015 SC 257; District Bar Association, Rawalpindi and others v. Federation of Pakistan and others PLD 2015 SC 401 and Muhammad Kowkab Iqbal and another v. Government of Pakistan through Secretary Cabinet Division, Islamabad and others PLD 2015 SC 1210 ref.JUDGMENTMUHAMMAD RAZA QURESHI, J.---This Writ Petition under Article 199 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, (the "Constitution") and connected…