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Most of the 'languages of Pakistan' are part of the family of Indo-European languages and span the Indo-Iranian range of that family with the Indo-Aryan languages predominant in the east and the Iranian languages the most significant in the west as well as Dardic languages in the north and northwest. English can mainly be heard with a few other languages. Officially Pakistan has 80 speaking tonguers in the country excluding Urdu and English they are: ''see list''

Contents

Native languages of Pakistan

History

Languages

Prevalence

Major languages

Urdu ''(National and Official Language)''

English ''(Official Language)''

Punjabi ''(Provincial Language)''

Pashto ''(Provincial Language)''

Sindhi ''(Provincial Language)''

Seraiki ''(Regional Language)''

Balochi ''(Provincial Language)''

Gujarati ''(Regional Language)''

Other languages

Classification

Indo-Aryan

Lahnda dialects

Iranian family of languages

Dravidian

See also

External links

Native languages of Pakistan

'''Minor Languages'''

★ Aer

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★ ''Population:'' 100 to 200 (1998). Women are monolingual.

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★ ''Region:'' Lower Sindh, Jikrio Goth near Kunri around Deh 333, Hyderabad, and at Jamesabad. Others are reported to have migrated to India at Partition in 1947, living in the Kach Bhuj area in Gujarat.

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★ ''Dialects:'' Jikrio Goth Aer, Jamesabad Aer. Lexical similarity 78% with Katai Meghwar and Kachi Bhil, 75% to 77% with Rabari, 76% with Kachi Koli.

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★ ''Classification:'' Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Gujarati

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★ ''Language use:'' All ages. They also speak Sindhi (adult men only for common topics), Panjabi (adult men of Jikrio Goth only for common topics), and Gujarati. 100% of boys and 25% of girls attend Sindhi medium schools.

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★ ''Language development:'' Literacy rate in second language: 15% in Sindhi. Sindhi-based script.

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★ ''Comments:'' Unusual interrogative word suggests possible historical connection with Western Rajasthani group. Speakers in Pakistan are running out of marriage possibilities and have begun intermarrying further decreasing their numbers. Other Aer people in Nawabshah, Sindh are reported to speak a different language, dress differently, and do not intermarry with this group.

★ Badeshi

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★ ''Population:'' Ethnic population: 2,825 (2000 WCD).

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★ ''Region:'' Upper reaches of Bishigram (Chail) Valley, east of Madyan, Swat Kohistan. One village.

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★ ''Classification:'' Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Unclassified

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★ ''Language use:'' Speakers also use Pashto.

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★ ''Comments:'' Existence unconfirmed. The Torwali say they speak Ushojo, and the Ushojo say they speak Torwali. May be a family name of people who came from Badakhshan. Muslim (Sunni).

★ Bagri

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★ ''Population:'' 200,000 in Pakistan. 100,000 in Sind Province (1998).

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★ ''Region:'' In the Sindh and Punjab.

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★ ''Alternate names:'' Bagari, Bagria, Bagris, Baorias, Bahgri, Bawri

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★ ''Language use:'' They speak some Sindhi and understand some Urdu.

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★ ''Language development:'' Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language below 5%.

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★ Comments: Distinct from Vaghri. Nomadic.

★ Balochi Eastern

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★ ''Population:'' 1,800,000 in Pakistan (1998). 5,000,000 including second-language users of all Balochi languages. Population total all countries: 1,805,000.

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★ ''Region:'' Northeastern Balochistan Province, northwestern Sind, southwestern Punjab. Also spoken in India.

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★ ''Alternate names:'' Baluchi, Baluci, Baloci

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★ ''Classification:'' Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Western, Northwestern, Balochi

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★ ''Language development:'' Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. Urdu script. Radio programs. Bible portions: 1815–1906.

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★ ''Comments:'' One of the major languages in Pakistan. Distinct from Western Balochi and Southern Balochi. Balochi has a small body of literature. Muslim (Sunni).

★ Balochi Southern

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★ ''Population:'' 2,765,000 in Pakistan (1998). Population total all countries: 3,400,300.

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★ ''Region:'' Southern Balochistan, southern Sind, Karachi. Also spoken in Iran, Oman, United Arab Emirates.

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★ ''Alternate names:'' Baluchi, Baluci, Baloci, Makrani

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★ ''Dialects:'' Coastal Balochi, Kechi, Makrani (Lotuni). Distinct from Eastern Balochi and fairly distinct from Western Balochi.

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★ ''Classification:'' Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Western, Northwestern, Balochi

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★ ''Language development:'' Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. Urdu script. Bible portions: 1992–1994.

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★ ''Comments:'' Muslim (Sunni), Zigri (Zikri).

★ Balochi Western

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★ ''Population:'' 1,116,000 in Pakistan (1998). Population total all countries: 1,799,842.

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★ ''Region:'' Northwestern Balochistan Province. Also spoken in Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan.

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★ ''Alternate names:'' Baluchi, Baloci, Baluci

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★ Dialects: Rakhshani (Raxshani), Sarawani. Strongly influenced by Fars, but not intelligible with Farsi.

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★ ''Classification:'' Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Western, Northwestern, Balochi

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★ ''Language development:'' Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. Urdu script; Arabic script in Afghanistan. Newspapers. Radio programs. Bible portions: 1984.

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★ ''Comments:'' Balochi is the official spelling in Pakistan. It has a small body of literature. Muslim (Sunni).

★ Balti

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★ ''Population:'' 270,000 in Pakistan (1992). Population total all countries: 337,000.

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★ ''Region:'' Primarily northeastern Pakistan: Baltistan District, Skardu, Rondu, Shigar, Khapalu, Kharmang, and Gultari valleys. Also spoken in India.

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★ ''Alternate names:'' Sbalti, Baltistani, Bhotia of Baltistan
Dialects Chorbat is the most divergent dialect. Lexical similarity 87% to 100% among dialects, 78% to 85% with Purik.

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★ ''Classification:'' Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Western

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★ ''Language use:'' Some Shina is used as second language. Urdu proficiency is reported to be high in some places. Women and the uneducated have little knowledge of Urdu. Many Purik have shifted to Balti.

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★ ''Language development:'' Literacy rate in second language: 3% to 5% in Urdu. Perso-Arabic script. Bible portions: 1903–1940.

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★ ''Comments:'' Muslim (Shi'a).

★ Bateri

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★ ''Population:'' 28,251 in Pakistan (2000 WCD). Population total all countries: 29,051.

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★ ''Region:'' Extreme southern corner, Kohistan District, small pocket on the east bank of the Indus River, north of Besham; Batera area. Also spoken in India.

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★ Alternate names: Bateri Kohistani, Batera Kohistani, Baterawal, Baterawal Kohistani

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★ ''Dialects:'' Closer to Indus Kohistani than to Shina, but distinct from both. Lexical similarity 58% to 61% with Indus Kohistani, 60% with Gowro, 54% with Chilisso, 29% with Shina and Torwali, 27% with Kalami.

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★ ''Classification:'' Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Dardic, Kohistani
Language use Vigorous. Speakers also use Pashto or Shina.

★ Bhadrawahi

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★ ''Population:'' 70 to 700 (1998).

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★ ''Region:'' Lower Sindh: Kapri Goth near Samaro, near Khipro, Jamesabad, Mir ke goth, Mirpurkhas, Phuladia, a few families in Hyderabad. There may be more in India.

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★ ''Dialects:'' Similarity of key morphemes: The possessive postposition with 'g-' contrasts with all other languages in the area. Gender endings match Rajasthani. This might be the same as Bhoyari in India. It may be in the Western Hindi group. Lexical similarity 84% with Marwari sweeper, 75% with Malhi, 73% with Bhat, 72% to 73% with Goaria, 70% to 73% with Sindhi Meghwar, 63% to 72% with Mogi, 63% to 71% with Sindhi Bhil, 70% with Urdu.

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★ ''Classification:'' Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Western Hindi, Unclassified

★ Bhaya

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★ ''Population:'' 70 to 700 (1998).

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★ ''Region:'' Lower Sindh: Kapri Goth near Samaro, near Khipro, Jamesabad, Mir ke goth, Mirpurkhas, Phuladia, a few families in Hyderabad. There may be more in India.

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★ ''Dialects:'' Similarity of key morphemes: The possessive postposition with 'g-' contrasts with all other languages in the area. Gender endings match Rajasthani. This might be the same as Bhoyari in India. It may be in the Western Hindi group. Lexical similarity 84% with Marwari sweeper, 75% with Malhi, 73% with Bhat, 72% to 73% with Goaria, 70% to 73% with Sindhi ''Meghwar, 63% to 72% with Mogi, 63% to 71% with Sindhi Bhil, 70% with Urdu.

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★ Classification:'' Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Western Hindi, Unclassified

★ Brahui

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★ ''Population:'' 2,000,000 in Pakistan (1998). Population total all countries: 2,210,000.

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★ ''Region:'' South central, Quetta and Kalat Region, east Baluchistan and Sind provinces. Also spoken in Afghanistan, Iran, Turkmenistan.

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★ ''Alternate names:'' Brahuidi, Birahui, Brahuigi, Kur Galli

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★ ''Dialects:'' Jharawan, Kalat, Sarawan. Kalat is the standard dialect, Jharawan is lowland.
Classification: Dravidian, Northern

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★ ''Language use:'' Some speakers also use Western Balochi.

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★ ''Language development:'' Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. Nastaliq script. Bible portions: 1905–1978.

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★ ''Comments:'' Pastoralists. Muslim.

★ Brokskat

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★ ''Population:'' 3,000 (1981 census).

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★ ''Region:'' India-occupied Kashmir, along the Indus River in Ladakh and Kargil districts, northern Kashmir, villages around Garkhon, including Darchiks, Chulichan, Gurgurdo, Batalik, Dah, and formerly in Hanu.

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★ ''Alternate names:'' Brokpa, Brokpa of Dah-Hanu, Dokskat, Kyango

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★ ''Classification:'' Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Dardic, Shina

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★ ''Language use:'' Many are fluent in Ladakhi.

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★ ''Language development:'' Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Balti script. Dictionary. Grammar.

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★ ''Comments:'' Broq-pa is a Scheduled Tribe in Jammu and Kashmir. A very divergent variety of Shina. Minaro is an alternate ethnic name. 'Brokpa' is the name given by the Ladakhi for the people. 'Brokskat' is the language. This is the oldest surviving member of the ancient Dardic language. 2,750 meters. Buddhist, traditional religion, Muslim.

★ Burushaski

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★ ''Population:'' 87,049 in Pakistan (2000 WCD).

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★ ''Region:'' Hunza-Nagar area and Yasin area in Gilgit District, Northern Areas. Scattered speakers also in Gilgit, Kashmir, and various cities. Also spoken in India.

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★ ''Alternate names:'' Brushaski, Burushaki, Burucaki, Burushki, Burucaski, Biltum, Khajuna, Kunjut
Dialects Nagar (Nagir), Hunza, Yasin (Werchikwar). Yasin is geographically separated from other dialects. Lexical similarity 91% to 94% between Nagar and Hunza dialects, 67% to 72% between Yasin and Hunza, 66% to 71% between Yasin and Nagar, and may be a separate language.

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★ ''Classification:'' Language Isolate

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★ ''Language use:'' Yasin speakers have some proficiency in Khowar. Knowledge of Urdu is limited among women and some others.

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★ ''Language development:'' Literacy rate in second language: 20%.

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★ ''Comments:'' People are called Burusho. SOV. Muslim (Ismaili and Shi'a).

★ Chambeali

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★ ''Population:'' 129,654 (1991 census).

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★ ''Region:'' Himachal Pradesh, Chamba District, Chamba Tahsil; Jammu and Kashmir.

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★ Alternate: names Chamaya, Chambiali, Chambiyali, Chamiyali Pahari, Chamya, Cameali

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★ ''Dialects:'' Bansbali, Bansyari, Gadi Chameali. 91% intelligibility of Mandeali, 87% of Kangri. Lexical similarity 90% with Palampuri Kangri, 86% with Bhattiyali, 84% with Bilaspuri, 83% with Mandeali, 79% with Gaddi, 78% with Churahi.

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★ ''Classification:'' Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northern zone, Western Pahari

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★ ''Language use:'' All ages. Speakers also use Panjabi, or Urdu.

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★ ''Language development:'' Radio programs. Bible portions: 1883–1979.

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★ ''Comments:'' SOV. Mountain slope, valley. 900 to 3,000 meters. Agriculturalists: rice, maize millet, fruit. Muslim, Hindu.

★ Changthang

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★ ''Population:'' 10,089 (2000 WCD).

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★ ''Region'' India-occupied Kashmir, Kashmir-Tibetan border area, Changthang Region east and southeast of Leh.

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★ ''Alternate names:'' Changtang, Changtang Ladakhi, Changs-Skat, Byangskat, Byanskat, Rong, Rupshu, Stotpa, Upper Ladakhi

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★ ''Dialects:'' May be intelligible with Ladakhi.

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★ ''Classification:'' Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Western, Ladakhi

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★ ''Language use:'' Some multilingualism in Ladakhi, Urdu, Kashmiri, or English.

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★ ''Language development:'' Bodhi script.

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★ ''Comments:'' Champa is a Scheduled Tribe. People are called 'Champas'. Nomadic. They barter for grain from the Zangskari. Noted for music and dance. Plateau. 4,000 to 5,000 meters. Pastoralists: sheep (cashmere wool), goats; traders: wool, salt. Buddhist, Muslim.

★ Chilliso

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★ ''Population:'' 1,600 to 3,000 (1992 SIL).

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★ ''Region:'' Scattered families in the Koli, Palas, Jalkot area of the Indus Kohistan, east bank of the Indus River.

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★ ''Alternate names:'' Chiliss, Galos

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★ ''Dialects:'' Lexical similarity 70% with Indus Kohistani, 65% to 68% with Gowro, 54% with Bateri, 48% to 56% with Shina. 26% with Torwali, 25% with Kalami.

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★ ''Classification:'' Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Dardic, Kohistani
Language use Socially integrated with the Kohistani Shina, and most or all speak that as first or second language.

★ Chitrali

★ Dameli

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★ ''Population:'' 5,000 (1992 SIL).

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★ ''Region:'' In the Damel Valley, about 32 miles south of Drosh in southern Chitral District, on the east side of the Kunar River. 11 villages.

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★ ''Alternate names:'' Damel, Damedi, Damia, Gudoji

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★ ''Dialects:'' Two groups: Shintari and Swati, but no significant dialect variation. Lexical similarity 44% with Gawar-Bati, Savi, and Phalura, 33% with Kamviiri, 29% with Kati.

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★ ''Classification:'' Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Dardic, Kunar

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★ ''Language use:'' Vigorous. Used in the home and with friends. A few men use Urdu as second language. Few women know Pashto.

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★ ''Comments:'' They are reported to have come from Afghanistan several hundred years ago. The language has been influenced by Nuristani languages. Mountain valleys. Pastoralists. Muslim (Sunni).

★ Dogri (North Indian)
Population 2,105,000 (1997).
Region India-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, between the Ravi and Chenab rivers.
Alternate names Dhogaryali, Dogari, Dogri Jammu, Dogri-Kangri, Dogri Pahari, Dongari, Hindi Dogri, Tokkaru
Dialects Bhatbali, Dogri, East Dogri, Kandiali, North Dogri.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northern zone, Western Pahari
Language use Official language. All ages. Urdu (older adults), Hindi (school, shops. cities), and Panjabi (shops) are spoken as second languages.
Language development Literacy rate in second language: 18% to 19%. Nastaliq script. Radio programs. Films. NT: 1826.
Comments Dogri formerly considered a Panjabi dialect, but now promoted as a written language in India. Dhogri is a Scheduled Caste in Himachal Pradesh and East Punjab. They reportedly speak Chambeali in Himachal and Dogri in Jammu. SOV. Mountain slope, valley. 300 to 1,350 meters. Agriculturalists: rice, maize, millet, fruit. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Christian.

★ Dehawri
Population 13,000 (1998).
Region Central Balochistan, in Kalat and Mastung.
Alternate names Deghwari
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Western, Southwestern, Persian
Language development Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%.
Comments Influenced by Brahui.

★ Dhakti
Population 131,863 in Pakistan (2000 WCD). Population includes 100,000 in Sind (1987). Population total all countries: 148,263.
Region Lower Sind in Tharparkar and Sanghar districts. Also spoken in India.
Alternate names Dhati
Dialects Eastern Dhatki, Southern Dhatki, Central Dhatki, Barage, Malhi. Varies considerably from northern Marwari, although they claim to understand one another. The Malhi are an ethnic group living in 3 main areas. Those in the Kunri-Pithoro-Noakot-Mithi area speak a dialect with 80% lexical similarity to Dhatki, 74% to Sindhi, and work as water-drawers. Lexical similarity 80% to 83% with Marwari dialects. Dhatki of Rajasthan and Dhatki of Thar are 88% lexically similar.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Rajasthani, Marwari
Language use Some also use Sindhi or Urdu.
Language development Literacy rate in first language: below 5%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. Sindhi-based script.
Comments Hindu, Muslim, Christian.

★ Domaaki
Population 500 (1989).
Region Gilgit District, Northern Areas, mainly in Hunza Valley, Mominabad village, a few households in Big Nagar, Shishkat (Gojal), Dumial in Gilgit, Oshkandas (east of Gilgit), and Bakor village in Punyal.
Alternate names Dumaki, Doma
Dialects It has loanwords from Shina and Burushaski, but is not intelligible to speakers of those languages. Lexical similarity 40% with Gilgit Shina.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Dardic, Shina
Language use Used in the home. Bilingualism in Burushaski is fairly high, especially among young people. Shina and Urdu also used as second languages.
Comments The people are called 'Bericho', 'Dom', or 'Doma'. Musicians; blacksmiths. Muslim.

★ Farsi Eastern

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★ ''Language name:'' Farsi, Eastern

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★ ''Population:'' 1,000,000 in Pakistan. 1,400 in Madaglasht, and many refugees (1992 SIL).

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★ ''Region:'' Southeast Chitral, Madaglasht village of Shishi Koh Valley, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, other large cities.

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★ ''Alternate names:'' Dari, Tajik, Madaglashti, Badakhshi

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★ ''Comments:'' Madaglasht community came from Badakhshan, Afghanistan 200 years ago. Other communities have been in Pakistan for many generations. Muslim.

★ Gawar-Bati
Language name Gawar-Bati
Population 1,500 in Pakistan (1992).
Region Southern Chitral, Arandu, and several villages along the Kunar River south of Arandu.
Alternate names Gowar-Bati, Gowari, Arandui, Satre, Narsati, Narisati
Language use Vigorous. All domains. Some use Pashto as second language.
Comments Mountain valleys. Muslim (Sunni).

★ Ghera
Population 10,000 (1998).
Region A single colony in Hyderabad, between the main bus stop and the railway station. Speakers say more than 90% of the people remained in Surat and Ahmedabad, India.
Alternate names Sindhi Ghera, Bara
Dialects Quite different grammatically from Gurgula and similar to Urdu. Lexical similarity 87% with Gurgula, 70% with Urdu.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Western Hindi, Unclassified
Language use Widespread multilingualism among both sexes with both Sindhi and Urdu. 25% of boys and some girls attend Sindhi medium schools.
Language development Literacy rate in second language: 20% Sindhi.
Comments Almost totally urbanized. Sellers of ceramic dishes, used clothing. Hindu.

★ Goaria
Population 25,426 (2000 WCD).
Region All towns in Sindh Province except Karachi: including Larkana, Sukkur, Moro, Badin, Umerkot. They claim to have come from Jodhpur Rajasthan, India, where there may be more.
Dialects This might be the same as Gawari in India. Lexical similarity 75% to 83% with Jogi, 76% to 80% with Marwari sweeper, 72% to 78% with Marwari Meghwar, 70% to 78% with Loarki.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Rajasthani, Marwari
Language use All domains except religion. All ages. Adults speak Sindhi and other local languages for trade, Hindi for worship.
Language development Literacy rate in second language: below 1% in Sindhi. Sindhi-based script.
Comments Plains. Desert. Sea level to 100 meters. Women sell trinkets, men transport people by horse cart and goods by donkey or donkey cart. Hindu.

★ Gowro
Population 200 (1990).
Region Indus Kohistan on the eastern bank, Kolai area, Mahrin village.
Alternate names Gabaro, Gabar Khel
Dialects Lexical similarity 65% to 68% with Chilisso, 62% with Indus Kohistani, 60% with Bateri, 40% to 43% with Shina, 25% with Torwali, 24% with Kalami.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Dardic, Kohistani
Language use Speakers also use Shina.
Comments Different from Gawri, an alternate name for Kalami.

★ Gujarati

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★ ''Language name:'' Gujarati

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★ ''Region:'' Lower Punjab, Sindh.

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★ ''Language use'': All Parsis (5,000), many Ismaili Muslims, and many Hindus (10,000 to 100,000) speak Gujarati. Many Parsi and Ismaili Muslims are literate in Gujarati. There seems to be a shift to Urdu among many Gujarati-speaking Hindus.

★ Gujari
Language name Gujari
Population 300,000 in Pakistan (1992). Population includes 2,910 in Chitral (1969), 20,000 in Swat Kohistan (1987), 200,000 to 700,000 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (1989).
Region Throughout northern Pakistan, mainly in the east in Hazara District, NWFP, in Kaghan Valley, Azad Jammu, and Kashmir. Scattered communities in southern Chitral, Swat Kohistan, and Dir Kohistan, NWFP, and Gilgit Agency, Northern Areas.
Alternate names Gujuri, Gujuri Rajasthani, Gujer, Gojri, Gogri, Gojari, Gujjari, Kashmir Gujuri
Dialects Western Gujari, Eastern Gujari.
Language use It is reported that most Gujars in Pakistani Punjab have shifted to Panjabi. Spoken in some pockets of Punjab by immigrants from elsewhere.
Comments Some speakers move with herds up in summer, down in winter. Some unpublished literature. Some nomadic pastoralists; some settled agriculturalists. Muslim.

★ Gurgula
Population 35,314 (2000 WCD).
Region Sindh Province, largest concentration in Bhens Colony, Karachi, others in smaller urban centers through Sindh, including Mirpur Khas, Shahdadpur, Panj, Moro, Sabura and Tando Allahyar.
Alternate names Marwari Ghera
Dialects Ghera is quite different grammatically. Lexical similarity 87% with Ghera.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Rajasthani, Unclassified
Language use All domains. Positive language attitude. Widespread multilingualism in Sindhi, Urdu, some Gujarati among all ages and sexes as needed, with men being the most proficient.
Language development Literacy rate in second language: 5% in Urdu. Sindhi-based script.
Comments Plains. Desert with irrigation. Below 100 meters. Itinerant marketers. Hindu.

★ Hazaragi
Language name Hazaragi
Population 156,794 in Pakistan (2000 WCD). Population includes many recent refugees from Afghanistan.
Region Quetta (100,000 to 200,000), Karachi and Islamabad (10,000), some villages in rural Sindh.
Alternate names Azargi, Hazara, Hezareh
Language development Literacy rate in first language: below 10%. Literacy rate in second language: 10% to 30% Urdu, Dari or Farsi.
Comments The alternate names listed refer to the people. Group or regional names are (Central) Dai Kundi, Dai Zangi, Behsud, Yekaulang, (Southern) Polada, Urusgani, Jaguri, Ghazni Hazaras, Dai Miradad, Kabul. Laborers; civil servants; tradesmen; shopkeepers; traders. Muslim (Imami Shi'a).

★ Hindko Northern
Population 1,875,000 (1981 census). Total Hindko in Pakistan 3,000,000 (1993).
Region Hazara Division, Mansehra and Abbotabad districts, Indus and Kaghan valleys and valleys of Indus tributaries, NWFP. Rural and urban.
Alternate names Hazara Hindko, Hindki, Kaghani, Kagani
Dialects Also related to Panjabi, Siraiki, and Pahari-Potwari; which have all been called 'Greater Panjabi', forming part of 'Lahnda'. Lexical similarities within Northern Hindko dialects are 82% to 92%, between Northern and Southern Hindko varieties 67% to 82%.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Lahnda
Language use Second languages are Urdu for the educated, with varied proficiency, and Pashto or Panjabi. For most speakers proficiency is low.
Language development Literacy rate in second language: below 20%. Perso-Arabic script. Poetry. Radio programs. TV. NT: 1991.
Comments Plains, hills. Muslim (Sunni).

★ Hindko Southern
Population 625,000 (1981 census).
Region Attock District, Punjab Province, and into the southernmost portion of Hazara Division, NWFP; Kohat and Peshawar districts, NWFP. Rural and urban.
Dialects Peshawar Hindko (Peshawari), Attock Hindko (Attock-Haripur Hindko), Kohat Hindko (Kohati), Rural Peshawar Hindko. The dialect in Dera Ismail Khan, sometimes called 'Hindko', is apparently closer to Siraiki.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Lahnda
Language use Most have some proficiency in Urdu, Pashto, Panjabi, or other languages. Urdu is known by educated speakers.
Language development Perso-Arabic script. Radio programs. TV.
Comments Plains, hills. Muslim (Sunni).

★ Jadgali
Population 100,000 in Pakistan (1998).
Region Southeast Balochistan Province, southwest Sind. Also spoken in Iran.
Alternate names Jatgali, Jatki, Jat
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Sindhi
Language development Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%.
Comments People called Jats. Different from Jakati of Afghanistan and Ukraine. Muslim.

★ Jandavra
Population 5,000 (1998).
Region Southern Sindh Province from Hyderabad to east of Mirpur Khas. Reported to be many more in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Alternate names Jhandoria
Dialects Lexical similarity 74% with Bagri and Katai Meghwar, 68% with Kachi Koli.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Gujarati
Language use All ages. Men tend to be conversant in Sindhi and Urdu, at least on a basic level, but women are not.
Language development Literacy rate in second language: No literates.
Comments Plains. Desert. Sea level to 100 meters. Hindu.

★ Kabuli
Population 1,000,000 + (2000).
Spread throughout the country, pedominant in Karachi but also in Peshawer, Islamabad, Quetta, Lahore where many Afghan refugees from Kabul have settled. Mostly spoken in Kabul, Afghanistan, parts of Eastern Iran and Pakistan.
Alternate names Dari, Afghani, Zaban-e-Farsi
Dialects, there are many dialects often associated with various ethnic groups who speak Kabuli. North East Zones reflect Tajik and a sub-set Panjshiri variances, Western associated with a turkic variant and South and South East zones are associated with a Pushto variant of the language. The Tajik variant is considered as standard.

★ Kabutra
Population 1,000 (1998).
Region Sindh, some concentrations around Umerkot, Kunri, and Nara Dhoro. Speakers say that 90% of the people remain in the Zal area of Marwar, India.
Alternate names Nat, Natra
Dialects Speakers report they have inherent intelligibility of Sansi and Sochi, and use Kabutra when speaking to them. Lexical similarity 74% with the Sochi language variety.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Western Hindi, Hindustani, Sansi
Language use All ages and sexes speak Urdu for most common topics, some Sindhi. Women speak Urdu better than in most Hindu groups.
Language development Literacy rate in second language: 5% in Urdu.
Comments Entertainers, dancers. Hindu.

★ Kachchi

★
★ ''Language name:'' Kachchi; the mother tongue of Muhammad Ali Jinnah

★
★ ''Population:'' 50,000 in Pakistan (1998).

★
★ ''Region:'' Karachi.

★
★ ''Alternate names:'' Kachchhi, Kutchchi, Cuchi, Cutch, Kutchie, Kachi, Katch, Kautchy, Katchi

★
★ ''Dialects:'' Jadeji.

★
★ ''Language use:'' Most Kachchi do not understand Gujarati.

★ Kalami
Population 40,000 (1987).
Region Upper Swat Kohistan from between Peshmal and Kalam north to upper valleys above Kalam, also in Dir Kohistan, in Thal, Lamuti (Kinolam), Biar (Jiar), and Rajkot (Patrak) villages. People at Khata Khotan, China, are reported to be related, recognized by their clothing and language.
Alternate names Garwi, Gawri, Gowri, Garwa, Gaawro, Kalami Kohistani, Kohistani, Kohistana, Bashkarik, Bashgharik, Dir Kohistani, Diri, Dirwali
Dialects Kalam, Ushu, Thal, Lamuti (Lamti), Rajkoti (Patrak), Dashwa. Dialect differences do not hinder communication, except that speakers of other dialects have difficulty with Rajkot. Lexical similarity 90% to 93% among the main dialects; Rajkoti has 75% with Kalam; Dashwa has 77% with Kalami, and 74% with Rajkoti.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Dardic, Kohistani
Language use There appear to be few speakers of Dashwa. Kalami and Ushu speakers indicate some negative attitudes toward each other's speech. The most widely understood indigenous language in northern Swat and Dir Kohistan. Men have routine proficiency in Pashto; women are more limited. Rajkoti men have high proficiency in Pashto. Uneducated men and women have low proficiency in Urdu.
Comments Dashwa is a clan name of people originally from around Rajkot; little information available. About 30% migrate in winter to Mingora, Mardan, Peshawar, or the Punjab in search of work. Speakers of Pashto, Gujari, Khowar, and other Kohistani languages live among them, but they are generally in the majority. Patrilineal descent groups are: Drekhel, Nilor (Niliyor), Jaflor (Jafalor). The Drekhel are divided into the Kalamkhel, Akarkhel, and Chinorkhel. The Mullakhel are Pashtoons from Lower Swat who now speak Pashto as first language, but speak, understand, and identify with Kalami. Muslim.

★ Kalasha
Population 5,029 (2000 WCD).
Region Southern Chitral District. The largest village is Balanguru in Rumbur Valley. Southern Kalasha is in Urtsun Valley; Northern Kalasha in Rumbur, Bumboret, and Birir valleys.
Alternate names Kalashamon, Kalash
Dialects Southern Kalasha (Urtsun), Northern Kalasha (Rumbur, Bumboret, Birir). There may be an eastern dialect on the east side of the Chitral River south of Drosh. Related to Khowar. Little contact between Northern and Southern dialects. The southern dialect has 75% lexical similarity with the northern dialects.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Dardic, Chitral
Language use Used in the home and for in-group communication in the north. In the south Khowar or Kati are sometimes used in the home and within the group. Speakers have low proficiency in Khowar; in Birir some men do not speak Khowar. Women are learning Khowar, and some learning Urdu.
Comments SOV. Pastoralists: goats, sheep, cattle; agriculturalists: wheat, barley, corn, apples, mulberries, walnuts, grapes. Traditional religion, Muslim.

★ Kalkoti
Population 4,000 (1990).
Region Dir Kohistan, NWFP, in Kalkot village. A little more than half the people in the village are speakers.
Dialects Lexical similarity 69% with Kalami.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Dardic, Kohistani
Language use Kalami is used as second language. Kalami do not understand Kalkoti. All men and most women are reported to speak Pashto as second language.
Comments Muslim.

★ Kamviri
Language name Kamviri
Population 1,500 to 2,000 in Pakistan plus refugees (1992).
Region Southern Chitral District, Langorbat or Lamerot, Badrugal, and the Urtsun Valley.
Alternate names Kamdeshi, Kamik, Lamertiviri, Shekhani
Dialects Kamviri, Shekhani.
Language use Some bilingualism in Pashto.
Comments This Shekhani is different from the Kati dialect also called 'Shekhani'. Mountain valley.

★ Kashmiri ''(Koshur)''

★
★ ''Language name:'' 'Kashmiri', Northern Pakistan

★
★ ''Population:'' 105,000 in Pakistan (1993).

★
★ ''Region:'' Jammu and Kashmir, south of Shina.

★
★ ''Alternate names:'' Kaschemiri, Kacmiri, Keshuri, Cashmiri, Cashmeeree

★
★ ''Language use:'' Poor language attitude.

★ Kati
Language name Kati
Population 3,700 to 5,100 Eastern Kativiri in Pakistan (1992).
Region Eastern Kativiri is in the Chitral District; in Gobar in the Lutkuh Valley, Kunisht in the Rumbur Valley, Shekhanan Deh in the Bumboret Valley, and in the Urtsun Valley.
Alternate names Kativiri, Bashgali, Nuristani
Dialects Eastern Kativiri (Shekhani), Western Kativiri, Mumviri.
Comments Eastern Kativiri is often called 'Shekhani' in Pakistan, but is different from the Kamviri which is also called 'Shekhani' in Southern Chitral. Mountain valleys.

★ Khetrani
Population 4,000.
Region Northeast Balochistan Province.
Dialects Related to Siraiki.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Lahnda
Language development Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%.
Comments Influenced by Balochi. Muslim.

★ Khowar
Population 222,800 in Pakistan (1992). Population total all countries: 242,000.
Region Chitral; Shandur Pass to Fupis in Ghizr Valley, Yasin and Ishkhoman valleys in Gilgit Agency, Ushu in northern Swat Valley, and large communities in Peshawar and Rawalpindi. Also spoken in India.
Alternate names Khawar, Chitrali, Citrali, Chitrari, Arniya, Patu, Qashqari, Kashkari
Dialects North Khowar, South Khowar, East Khowar, Swat Khowar. The northern dialect is considered to be more 'pure'. Related to Kalasha, but different. Lexical similarity 86% to 98% among dialects.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Dardic, Chitral
Language use Trade language. The most important language of Chitral. Urdu schools; some girls go through fifth grade or higher. Different second languages used in different areas: Pashto in the south, Shina and Burushaski in the Gilgit Agency, Kalami and some Pashto in Swat, Urdu and English among the educated.
Language development Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 20% men, 1% women. Radio programs.
Comments 'Kho' means 'people', 'war' means 'language'. Monthly journal in Khowar. SOV. Mountain valleys. Muslim (Sunni and Ismali).

★ Kohistani (Indus)
Population 220,000 (1993).
Region Indus Kohistan District on the western bank of the Indus River.
Alternate names Kohistani, Kohiste, Khili, Maiyon, Mair, Maiyã, Shuthun
Dialects Indus (Mani, Seo, Pattan, Jijal), Duber-Kandia (Manzari, Khili). A separate language from nearby varieties (Bateri, Chilisso, Gowro, Shina, Torwali, Kalami). The names 'Mani' and 'Manzari' are not used by speakers for the dialects, but refer to legendary brothers whose descendants settled in the two dialect areas. Lexical similarity 90% among dialects, 70% with Chilisso, 61% with Gowro, 58% with Bateri, 49% with Shina, 28% with Kalami and Torwali.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Dardic, Kohistani

★ Koli-Kachi
Population 170,000 in Pakistan (1998). Population includes 80,000 to 100,000 Kachi Koli, 5,000 to 6,000 Rabari, 10,000 Kachi Bhil, 50,000 Vagri, 10,000 Katai Meghwar, 1,000 Zalavaria Koli. Population total all countries: 570,000.
Region Lower Sindh in an area bordered by Sakrand and Nawabshah in the north, Matli in the south, and east beyond Mirpur Khas and Jamesabad. Concentrated in an area around the towns of Tando Allahyar and Tando Adam. There may be an equal number in India, concentrated in their ancestral homeland centered around Bhuj, in the Rann of Kach, Gujarat. Also spoken in India.
Alternate names Kuchi, Kachi, Katchi, Koli, Kohli, Kolhi, Kori, Vagari, Vagaria, Kachi Gujarati
Dialects Kachi, Rabari (Rahabari), Kachi Bhil, Vagri (Kachi Meghwar), Katai Meghwar, Zalavaria Koli. Intermediate between Sindhi and Gujarati; it is becoming more like Sindhi. Kachi has 89% lexical similarity with Rabari, 96% with Kachi Bhil, 86% with Vagri, 92% with Katai Meghwar, 88% with Zalavaria Koli, lexical similarity 78% with Gujarati, 76% with Tharadari Koli.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Gujarati
Language use Complex situation: people with basically the same language are socially quite distinct.
Language development Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. Based on Sindhi, based in turn on Arabic. Some older people use Gujarati script, related to Devanagari. Bible portions: 1834–1995.
Comments Sharecropper agriculturalists. Hindu, Christian.

★ Koli-Parkari
Population 250,000 (1995).
Region Centered in Tharparkar District, especially the town of Nagar Parkar in the southeastern tip of Sindh bordering India. It covers most of the lower Thar Desert and west as far as the Indus River, bordered in the north and west by Hyderabad, and down to the south and west of Badin. An unknown (probably small) population in India.
Alternate names Parkari
Dialects Lexical similarity 77% to 83% with Marwari Bhil, 83% with Tharadari Koli.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Gujarati
Language development Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%, mostly in Sindhi, a few in Urdu, very few in Gujarati. Based on Sindhi, based in turn on Arabic. NT: 1996.
Comments Agriculturalists: sharecroppers in irrigated area, subsistence and stockbreeders in desert (east). Hindu, Christian.

★ Koli-Wadiyara
Language name Koli, Wadiyara
Population 175,000 in Pakistan (1998). Population includes 75,000 Wadiyara, 5,000 Mewasi and Nairya, 30,000 Tharadari, 45,000 Hasoria, 20,000 Rardro.
Region Sind in an area bounded by Hyderabad, Tando Allahyar and Mirpur Khas in the north, and Matli and Jamesabad in the south.
Alternate names Wadaria, Wadhiara
Dialects Mewasi (Mayvasi Koli), Wadiyara Koli, Nairya Koli, Tharadari Koli, Tharadari Bhil, Hasoria Koli, Hasoria Bhil, Rardro Bhil.
Language use There is gradual beginning of breakdown of some strict caste rules concerning intermarriage and interdining: possibly 'lower' groups wishing to move 'up', and barriers in 'close' castes breaking down.
Language development Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%.

★ Ladakhi (Occupied Kashmir)

★ Lasi
Population 15,000 (1998).
Region Southeast Balochistan Province, Las Bela District, about 80 miles north northwest of Karachi.
Alternate names Lassi
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Sindhi
Language development Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%.
Comments Influenced by Balochi. Muslim.

★ Loarki
Population 20,000 (1998).
Region Sindh Province, rural. 500 to 750 in India.
Dialects Probably the same as Gade Lohar in Rajasthan, India, a Rajasthani language. Lexical similarity 82% with Jogi, 80% with Marwari.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Rajasthani, Marwari
Language use All domains. All ages. All ages and sexes speak Sindhi, the educated or those working outside the community speak Urdu for most common topics.
Language development Literacy rate in second language: 25% boys, some older men, no girls or women in Sindhi, some Urdu.
Comments Alternate names for the people are: Loar, Lohar, Gadlia, Gadolia Rajput, Gadolia Rajput Loar, Karia, Sisudia Rajput, Sisudia Loar. Plains. Desert. Sea level to 100 meters. Craftsmen. Hindu.

★ Marwari
Population 220,000. Population includes 100,000 Northern Marwari, 120,000 or more Southern Marwari (1998). The latter includes 100,000 Marwari Bhil, 10,000 Marwari Meghwar, 12,000 to 13,000 Marwari Bhat.
Region Northern Marwari: South Punjab and northern Sindh, north of Dadu and Nawabshah; Southern Marwari: Sindh and southern Punjab provinces, between Tando Mohammed Khan and Tando Ghulam Ali to the south, Dadu and Nawabshab to the north.
Alternate names Merwari, Rajasthani, Marwari Meghwar, Jaiselmer, Marawar, Marwari Bhil
Dialects Northern Marwari, Southern Marwari, Marwari Bhil, Marwari Meghwar, Marwari Bhat. Northern and Southern Marwari are inherently intelligible to speakers. Lexical similarity 79% to 83% with Dhatki, 87% between Southern and Northern Marwari, 78% with Marwari Meghwar and Marwari Bhat.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Rajasthani, Marwari
Language use One sweeper community of 10,000 to 100,000 identifies itself as Marwari, but is undergoing rapid shift to Urdu. Marwari is not usually written. Speakers are moderately bilingual in Sindhi. Educated speakers are trilingual in Urdu. The literary language of Rajasthan is Hindi.
Language development Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5% in Sindhi or Urdu. Sindhi and Urdu scripts. Newspapers. Bible portions: 1969–1991.
Comments The name 'Rajasthani' is a linguistic cover term for a group of languages. Speakers tend to be urban and educated. Northern Bhil tribes: Marwari-Thori, Gulguli, Shikari, Jogi, Sochi. Hindu, Muslim, Christian.

★ Makrani

★ Memoni
Population No estimate available.
Region Karachi.
Dialects Memoni language appears to have similarities to Sindhi and Gujarati.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Unclassified
Language use The younger generation might not learn it as first language. They learn Urdu, or Sindhi as second language.
Language development Most are highly educated.
Comments All speakers of this language in Pakistan came from India at the time of independence. It is reported that 500 to 600 years ago they moved from a Sindhi-speaking area to a Gujarati-speaking area. Muslim.

★ Od
Population 50,000 (1998).
Region Widely scattered in the Sindh and a few in southern Punjab. May also be in Rajasthan, India.
Alternate names Oad, Odki
Dialects Resembles Marathi with Gujarati features and borrowings from Marwari and Panjabi. Lexical similarity 86% to 88% among dialects in Dadu, Shikarpur, and Pithoro, 70% to 78% with Marwari, Dhatki, and Bagri.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Unclassified
Language use 80% also use Sindhi; 10% are trilingual in Urdu, Sindhi, and Odki.
Language development Sindhi script.
Comments Brickmakers, builders.

★ Ormuri
Population 1,000 in Pakistan (2000 J. Owens). Population total all countries: 1,050.
Region Kaniguram, a pocket in Mahsud Pashto area northwest of Dera Ismail Khan, Wazirstan. Also spoken in Afghanistan.
Alternate names Urmuri, Ormur, Ormui, Bargista, Baraks, Baraki
Dialects Kanigurami, Logar. Lexical similarity 27% with Waneci, 25% to 33% with Pashto dialects.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Western, Northwestern, Ormuri-Parachi
Language use The Kanigurami retain the language.

★ Pahari-Pothowari
Population 49,440 (2000 WCD).
Region Murree Hills north of Rawalpindi, and east to Azad Kashmir. To the north in the lower half of the Neelum Valley. Poonchi is east of Rawalakot. Potwari is in the plains around Rawalpindi. Punchhi and Chibhali are reported to be in Jammu and Kashmir.
Alternate names Potwari, Pothohari, Potohari, Chibhali, Dhundi-Kairali
Dialects Pahari (Dhundi-Kairali), Pothwari (Potwari), Chibhali, Punchhi (Poonchi), Mirpuri. Pahari means 'hill language' referring to a string of divergent dialects, some of which may be separate languages. A dialect chain with Panjabi and Hindko. Closeness to western Pahari is unknown. Lexical similarity 76% to 83% among varieties called 'Pahari', 'Potwari', and some called 'Hindko' in Mansehra, Muzzaffarabad, and Jammun.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northern zone, Western Pahari
Comments Muslim.

★ Pakistan Sign Language (PSL)
Population No estimate available.
Alternate names Isharon Ki Zubann
Dialects Related to Nepalese Sign Language; may be the same language as Indian Sign Language.
Classification Deaf sign language
Language use Used in urban centers with some regional variation in vocabulary. The National Institute of Special Education encourages a total communication approach, including the teaching of PSL.
Language development Dictionary. Grammar.

★ Punjabi Western
Population 60,647,207 in Pakistan (2000 WCD). Population total all countries: 60,812,093.
Region Mainly in the Punjab area of Pakistan. Also spoken in Afghanistan, Canada, India, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA.
Alternate names Western Punjabi, Lahnda, Lahanda, Lahndi
Dialects There is a continuum of varieties between Eastern and Western Panjabi, and with Western Hindi and Urdu. 'Lahnda' is a name given earlier for Western Panjabi; an attempt to cover the dialect continuum between Hindko, Pahari-Potwari, and Western Panjabi in the north and Sindhi in the south. Grierson said Majhi is the purest form of Panjabi. Several dozen dialects. The Balmiki (Valmiki) sweeper caste in Attock District speak a dialect of Panjabi.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Lahnda
Language development Perso-Arabic script. Radio programs. Films. TV. NT: 1819–2000.
Comments Muslim, Christian, Zorastrian/Parsi.

★ Punjabi Central

★ Punjabi Northern

★ Punjabi Southern

★ Pashto Central
Population 7,922,657.
Region Wazirstan, Bannu, Karak, southern ethnic group territories and adjacent areas.
Alternate names Mahsudi
Dialects Waciri (Waziri), Bannuchi (Bannochi, Bannu). Lexical comparison and interviews indicate this is distinct from Northern and Southern Pashto.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Eastern, Southeastern, Pashto
Language development Dictionary. Grammar.
Comments Muslim (Sunni).

★ Pashto Northern
Population 9,585,000 in Pakistan (1993). Population includes all Pashto. Population total all countries: 9,700,000. Ethnic population: 49,529,000 possibly total Pashto in all countries.
Region Along Afghanistan border, most of NWFP, Yusufzai, and Peshawar. Also spoken in Afghanistan, Iran, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.
Alternate names Pakhto, Pashtu, Pushto, Yusufzai Pashto
Dialects Ningraharian Pashto, Northeastern Pashto. A good deal of similarity with Northwestern Pashto in Afghanistan. Subdialects of Northeastern Pashto are Kohat (Khatak), Yusufzai (Peshawar), Afridi, Shinwari, Mohmand, Shilmani. Lexical similarity 80% between Northeastern and Southwestern Pashto.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Eastern, Southeastern, Pashto
Language use Rich literary tradition. The Powinda are a nomadic Pashto-speaking group.
Language development Literacy rate in second language: Low. Taught in primary schools. Perso-Arabic script; Urdu script in United Arab Emirates. Newspapers. Radio programs. Films. TV. Dictionary. Bible: 1895.
Comments Muslim (Sunni and Shi'a).

★ Pashto Southern
Population 1,356,059 in Pakistan (2000 WCD). Population total all countries: 2,674,367.
Region Balochistan, Quetta area. Also spoken in Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.
Alternate names Pashtu, Pushto, Pushtu, Quetta-Kandahar Pashto
Dialects Southeastern Pashto, Quetta Pashto. There is generally an 80% lexical similarity between the northern and southern varieties of Pashto.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Eastern, Southeastern, Pashto
Language use Some Pashto speakers educated in Urdu medium schools mix Urdu into their Pashto speech.
Language development Perso-Arabic script. Grammar.
Comments Muslim.

★ Phalura
Population 8,600 (1990).
Region 7 villages on the east side of the lower Chitral Valley, possibly 1 village in Dir Kohistan; Purigal, Ghos, the Biori Valley, Kalkatak, and Ashret.
Alternate names Palula, Palola, Phalulo, Dangarik, Biyori
Dialects Ashreti, Northern Phalura. Ashreti has 92% lexical similarity with Northern Phalura. Lexical similarity 56% to 58% with Savi in Afghanistan, 38% to 42% with Shina.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Dardic, Shina
Language use Speakers also use Khowar.
Comments Speakers are called 'Phalulo'. Muslim (Sunni).

★ Purik

★ Sansi
Population 60,000 in India (2002 Gusain). Population total all countries: 76,200.
Region Punjab; Rajasthan; Haryana; Delhi; Jammu and Kashmir; Madhya Pradesh; Karnataka; Uttar Pradesh. Also spoken in Pakistan.
Alternate names Bhilki, Sansiboli
Dialects Intermediate between Punjabi and Hindustani. They sometimes identify themselves as Marwari. Lexical similarity 71% with Urdu, 83% with the Sochi language variety. Numerous phonological and morphological borrowings from Punjabi, Hindi, and Gujarati (Gusain).
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Western Hindi, Hindustani, Sansi
Language use Not being passed on to the next generation and is on the verge of extinction. Much mixing of Hindi, Punjabi, or Gujarati into the language (Gusain). Few people below the age of forty are fully competent in the language and probably none of them will become active speakers (Gusain). Second language is Sindhi, followed by Urdu, Panjabi, and Saraiki.
Language development Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%.
Comments Related to Rajasthani, Sindhi, Punjabi. Bhils by caste. Called a 'Gypsy' language. They have an argot called 'Farsi'. Gusain classifies this as a Rajasthani dialect. They are socially separate from surrounding groups and are governed by their own social norms and economy. They are in the process of losing their tribal characteristics but are not yet integrated into the national mainstream (Gusain). Sharecroppers; cobblers (Sochi). Hindu.

★ Savi
Language name Savi
Region Some might still live in refugee camps near Timargarha in Dir, Pakistan and near Drosh in Chitral, Pakistan. Probably most have returned to Afghanistan.
Alternate names Sawi, Sauji, Sau
Language use Speakers also use Pashto.
Language development Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%.
Comments Muslim.

★ Seraiki
Population 13,843,106 in Pakistan (2000 WCD). Population total all countries: 13,863,106.
Region Southern Punjab and northern Sind, Indus River Valley, Jampur area. Derawali is in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu, and Dera Ghazi Khan. Jangli is in Sahiwal area. Also spoken in India, United Kingdom.
Alternate names Saraiki, Riasiti, Bahawalpuri, Multani, Southern Panjabi, Siraiki
Dialects Derawali, Multani (Khatki), Bahawalpuri (Riasati, Reasati), Jangli, Jatki. Dialects blend into each other, into Panjabi to the east, and Sindhi to the south. Until recently it was considered to be a dialect of Panjabi. 80% intelligibility of Dogri. May be intelligible with Bahawalpuri. Lexical similarity 85% with Sindhi; 68% with Dhatki, Odki, and Sansi.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Lahnda
Language development Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. Radio programs. TV. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1819.
Comments Muslim, Hindu.

★ Shina
Population 300,000 in Pakistan (1981 census). Population total all countries: 321,000.
Region Northern Areas including Gilgit District, scattered villages in Yasin and Ishkoman valleys, Punial, Gilgit, Haramosh, lower Hunza Valley; Diamer District, Chilas area, Darel and Tangir valleys, Astor Valley; scattered areas of Baltistan District, Satpara, Kharmang, Kachura, and other small valleys; NWFP, east part of Kohistan District, Sazin, Harban. Also spoken in India.
Alternate names Sina, Shinaki, Brokpa
Dialects Gilgiti (Gilgit, Punial, Hunza-Nagar, Bagrote, Haramosh, Rondu, Bunji), Astori (Astor, Gurezi, Dras, Satpara, Kharmangi), Chilasi Kohistani (Chilas, Darel, Tangir, Sazin, Harban). Gilgit functions as the language standard. Shina is the primary language in Gilgit and Diamer districts. Lexical similarity 79% to 99% within the Gilgiti (Northern) dialect cluster, 81% to 96% among the Astori (Eastern) cluster, 84% to 98% among the Chilas (Diamer) cluster.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Dardic, Shina
Language development Bible portions: 1929.
Comments 'Brokpa' is the name used for Shina speakers in Baltistan and Ladakh. 'Brokskat' refers to their language. 'Brokskat' is used semiofficially in India to refer to a highly divergent variety of Shina spoken by Buddhists. Muslim (Shi'a and Sunni).

★ Shina Kohistani
Population 200,000 (1981 census).
Region East bank of the Indus in Kohistan District, NWFP, in the Jalkot, Palas, and Kolai valleys and surrounding areas.
Alternate names Palasi-Kohistani, Kohistani, Kohistyo
Dialects Palasi, Jalkoti, Kolai. A somewhat divergent variety of Shina linguistically and socially. Closer to Shina of Chilas, but more distant from Gilgit.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Dardic, Shina
Comments Muslim (Sunni).

★ Sindhi
Population 18,500,000 in Pakistan (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk). Population includes 1,200,000 Hindu Sindhi (1986). Population total all countries: 21,362,000.
Region Sindh. Also possibly United Arab Emirates. Also spoken in India, Oman, Philippines, Singapore, United Kingdom, USA.
Dialects Kachchi, Lari, Lasi, Thareli, Vicholo (Vicholi, Viccholi, Central Sindhi), Macharia, Dukslinu (Hindu Sindhi), Sindhi Musalmani (Muslim Sindhi). Some southern Bhil groups speak dialects of Sindhi. 100,000 speakers in rural Sindh came originally from the Kathiawar Peninsula in India. They are solidly Muslim, have widespread bilingualism in Sindh, and are almost completely assimilated with the Sindhi people. Lexical similarity 77% with Katiavari Kachi.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Sindhi
Language use Official regional language. Some Hindu speakers are first-language speakers, most are second-language speakers. Shikari (hunter) Bhils are a nomadic group of 2,000 to 3,000 who live in southern Sindh Province, centered around Badin, and have adopted the Sindhi language. Some are Hindu, others are Muslim. They are not literate.
Language development Arabic script; Arabic and Gurumukhi scripts in India. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1954.
Comments Muslim, Hindu, Christian.

★ Sindhi-Bhil
Population 56,502 (2000 WCD).
Region Sindh Province, Mohrano, Badin-Matli-Thatta, Ghorabari (on west). Sindhi Meghwar are scattered in an area from Badin-Matli to Tando Allahyar.
Dialects Sindhi Bhil, Mohrano, Badin, Sindhi Meghwar. Badin is close to Sindhi. Lexical similarity 82% between Mohrani and Sindhi; 89% between Sindhi Bhil and Sindhi Meghwar.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Sindhi
Language use Speakers consider the Mohrano dialect to be different from Sindhi and Dhatki. There is a positive attitude toward its use in traditional ceremonies. The Sindhi Bhil look with favor on the idea of literature in their language. They can converse in Sindhi, those in Mohrano area also in Dhatki. Women use Sindhi Bhil when talking to Sindhi and Dhatki speakers.
Comments Sindhi or Dhatki orthographies acceptable. Hindu, Muslim.

★ Torwali
Population 60,000 (1987).
Region Swat Kohistan, on both sides of Swat River from just beyond Madyan north to Asrit (between Mankjal and Peshmal), and in Chail Valley east of Madyan, Bahrain and Chail are centers.
Alternate names Turvali
Dialects Bahrain, Chail. Lexical similarity 44% with Kalkoti and Kalami, 89% between Behrain and Chail.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Dardic, Kohistani
Language use Men have routine proficiency in Pashto, more limited in Urdu. Women are limited in use of Pashto, and know almost no Urdu.
Comments Muslim (Sunni).

★ Uyghur

★ Ushojo
Population 2,000 (1992).
Region Upper reaches of Bishigram (Chail) Valley, east of Madyan, Swat Kohistan. 12 villages.
Alternate names Ushuji
Dialects Lexical similarity 50% with Kolai Shina, 48% with Palas Shina, 42% with Gilgiti Shina, 35% with Chail Torwali, 31% with Biori Phalura, 27% with Bateri, 23% with Kalami, 22% with Kalkoti.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northwestern zone, Dardic, Shina.
Language use: Children are learning Ushojo in the home. Pashto seems to be influencing some adult speech. Pashto appears to be the main second language used. Education in Urdu is limited. Torwali is also used.
Comments: Not known by linguists until 1989. Reportedly came from Kolai, Indus Kohistan several hundred years ago. SOV. Mountain valleys. Muslim (Sunni).

★ Vagri
Population 10,000 in Pakistan (1998).
Region Sindh, in Sukkur, Karachi (Bhes Colony), Nawabshah, Sakrand, Hala, Sanghar, Tando Adam, Tando Mohammed Khan, Badin, Matli, Tando Ghulam Ali, Digri, Noakot, Jang Sai, Mirpur Khas, and Tando Allahyar. Possibly 90,000 in India.
Alternate names Vaghri Koli, Salavta, Bavri
Dialects Related to the language spoken by the Kukar people living near Chanesar Halt, Mehmoodabad in Karachi. Lexical similarity 78% with Wadiyari Koli.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Gujarati
Language use They speak some Sindhi, Urdu, and Gujarati.
Language development Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%.
Comments People are urbanized. Masons; fruit vendors. Hindu.

★ Wakhi
Population 9,100 in Pakistan. Population includes 4,500 to 6,000 Gojal, 2,000 Ishkoman, 200 Yasin, 900 Yarkhun (1992), plus refugees. Population total all countries: 31,666.
Region Northeasternmost part of Chitral, called Baroghil area; in glacier neighborhood. Gojal is in the upper Hunza valley from Gulmit to the Chinese and Afghanistan borders, and the Shimshal and Chupursan valleys; also in upper Yarkhun valley of Chitral, and upper Ishkoman valley. Also spoken in Afghanistan, China, Tajikistan.
Alternate names Wakhani, Wakhigi, Vakhan, Khik
Dialects Gojal, Ishkoman, Yasin, Yarkhun. Dialect intelligibility is reported to not be a problem even of those in other countries. Lexical similarity 84% between Ishkoman and Gojal, 89% between Yasin and Gojal, 91% between Ishkoman and Yasin.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Eastern, Southeastern, Pamir
Language use Positive language attitude. Men and young people have routine proficiency in Urdu. Fewer than half the women, and few older people in remote areas speak Urdu. Older people and those who live in mixed villages in Gojal can use Burushaski.
Comments The people are called 'Guhjali' in upper Hunza, but call themselves 'Khik'. SOV. Valleys. Pastoralists: sheep, goats, cattle, yak, camels; agriculturalists: barley. Ismaili Muslim.

★ Waneci
Population 95,000 (1998).
Region Northeastern Balochistan Province, Harnai area.
Alternate names Wanechi, Wanetsi, Vanechi, Tarino, Chalgari
Dialects Lexical similarity 71% to 75% with Southern Pashto, 63% to 72% with other Pashto varieties, 27% with Ormuri.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Eastern, Southeastern, Pashto
Language development Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%.
Comments Muslim.

★ Yidgha
Population 6,145 (2000 WCD).
Region Upper Lutkuh Valley of Chitral, west of Garam Chishma.
Alternate names Yudgha, Yudga, Yidga, Lutkuhwar
Dialects No significant dialect variation within Yidgha. Lexical similarity 56% to 80% with Munji in Afghanistan.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Eastern, Southeastern, Pamir
Language use Yidgha is used in many homes and for much in-group communication, and speakers have positive attitudes toward it. Khowar is the main second language used, although with much Yidgha language influence, and proficiency among women is low.
Comments Mountain valleys. 2,200 meters. Ismaili Muslim.

★ Zangskari

History

Urdu, a standardized register of Hindustani, is the national language of Pakistan and has historical significance as a language developed during the Islamic conquests in the Indian Subcontinent during the period of the Mughal Empire and was chosen as a neutral language to unite the various groups of modern Pakistan. However, the language of the government and commerce is English. Most secondary educational institutes and almost all universities use English as the medium of instruction. Many other languages are spoken in Pakistan, including the following regional tongues from largest to smallest: Punjabi, Pashtu, Sindhi,Balochi, Seraiki (sometimes included within Punjabi, also called Seraiki, Sira'iki, Lahndi, Multani - from the city of Multan, Derawali, Southern Punjabi, and Western Punjabi), Hindko, Brahui, Burushaski, Balti, Shina, and Khowar (see Dardic languages). Brahui is a Dravidian language, its closest relatives being spoken primarily in southern India, far removed from Pakistan. Balti is Sino-Tibetan and Burushaski is a language isolate.
In addition, according to Ethnologue, Pakistan has a million speakers of Persian, a few of whom are refugees from Afghanistan (mainly Tajiks and Hazaras) whose dialects vary from the Hazaragi-speaking population, while others include an ethnic group called the Dehwaris. Smaller groups include the Uzbeks and there is a large Kashmiri speaking population, largely refugees as well who fled from the Vale of Kashmir.
Arabic and Persian are still taught as classical languages to a small number of students. Arabic is popular due to its religious significance, but some Pakistanis do not learn to speak Arabic beyond that required to read and recite Islamic prayers. Persian is an important literary language in Pakistan.

Languages

Prevalence

According to the census, Pakistanis identified the following languages as their mother tongues [figures rounded to nearest percent]:
Punjabi 44%,
Pashto 15%,
Sindhi 14%,
Seraiki 11%,
Urdu 8%,
Balochi 4%,
others 4%
The majority of Pakistanis can speak or understand two or more languages.

Major languages

The official languages of Pakistan are English and Urdu. Urdu is the national language and lingua franca.
~44% speak Punjabi as a first language, 15% Pashto, and 31% other languages such as (Sindhi, Seraiki, Balochi, Hindko spoken in northern Pakistan and Pakistan Liberated Kashmir (PLK) also Mirpuri (AJK), and Brahui.)

Urdu ''(National and Official Language)''

Urdu ('اردو') is the national and official language, the lingua franca of the people. It is widely used, both formally and informally, for personal letters as well as public literature, in the literary sphere and in the popular media. It is a required subject of study in all primary and secondary schools. It is the first language of most Muhajirs. 'Urdu' is Pakistan's national language and has been promoted as a token of national unity, though less than 8% of 'Pakistanis' speak it as their first language but it is spoken fluently as a second language by all literate Pakistanis.
Urdu by origin is a Persianized dialect of the 'Hindi' language (which itself is a modern form of Prakrit). Urdu was spoken for centuries in the neighbourhood of Delhi and it was known as Western Hindi, Hindavi, Dehlavi, Reekhta and 'Hindustani'. It is written in a modified form of the Arabic alphabet and its basically Indic vocabulary has been enriched by borrowings from Arabic, Persian, Turkish, English and other Indian languages.
Urdu has drawn inspiration from Persian literature and has now an enormous stock of words. The first poetry in Urdu was by the Persian poet Amir Khusro (1253-1325) and the first Urdu book "Woh Majlis" was written in 1728 and the first time the word "'Urdu'" was used by Saraj-ud-din Aarzoo in 1751.
Urdu was an official language in British India since 1835 and in India since 1947, where it is spoken by Muslim population, is one of the 15 national languages recognized by the constitution.

★
★ Population: 10,719,000 in Pakistan (1993). Population total all countries: 60,503,579.

★
★ Region: Also spoken in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Botswana, Fiji, Germany, Guyana, Republic of India, Malawi, Mauritius, Kingdom of Nepal, Norway, Oman, Qatar, KSA, South Africa, Thailand, UAE, United Kingdom, Zambia.

★
★ Dialects: Intelligible with Hindi, but has formal vocabulary borrowed from Arabic and Persian. Dakhini is freer of Persian and Arabic loans than Urdu. Rekhta is a form of Urdu used in poetry.

★
★ Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Western Hindi, Hindustani

★
★ Language use: Official language. Including second-language speakers: 104,000,000 (1999 WA). The second or third language of most Pakistanis for whom it is not the first language.

★
★ Language development: Arabic-Perso script. Grammar. Bible: 1843–1998.

★
★ Comments: Muslim.

English ''(Official Language)''

English is the country's other official language, widely used within the government, by the civil service and the officer ranks of the military. Pakistan's Constitution and laws are written in both English and Urdu. Many schools, and nearly all colleges and universities, use English as the medium of instruction. More than 80 percent of people in Pakistan have a basic understanding of English, as a result of the colonial rule of the United Kingdom. Mainly second-language speakers within the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Punjabi ''(Provincial Language)''

Punjabi ('پنجابی') is spoken as a first language by ~44% of Pakistanis, mostly in Punjab as well as by a large number of people in Karachi. It is an important language since Punjabi is spoken by about half of Pakistanis. However, Punjabi does not have any official status in Pakistan. The exact numbers of Punjabi speakers in Pakistan is hard to find since there are many dialects/languages, such as Seraiki, which some regard as part of Punjabi and others regard as separate language. 'Punjabi' is spoken by almost 60% of the population in 'Pakistan'. The standard Punjabi dialects is from Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala and Sheikhupura districts of the Pakistani Punjab which was used by Waris Shah (1722-1798) in his famous book "Heer" and is also now days langueage of Punjabi literature, film and music; such as Lollywood. Other dialects are 'Multani' or Siraiki in West and South, Pothowari in North, Dogri in the Kashmir areas and Shahpuri in Sargodha area.
'Punjabi''s lineage can be traced through Sanskrit in the Vedic period (ca 4000 B.C.), Pali, Prakrit and Upbharnash during the reign of Ashoka (273-232 B.C.) and Hindvi, Lahori and Multani during the Muslim period (711-1857).
Punjabi literature was principally spiritual in nature and has had a very rich oral tradition. The Great Sufi (religious) poetry has been the folklore of the Punjab and still sung with great love throughout the Punjab.
Punjabi dialects:

★ 'Majhi'
This dialect is "the standard Punjabi language" and spoken in the heart of Punjab where most of the Punjabi population lives. The main districts are Lahore, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala and Sialkot in Pakistani Punjab and Gurdaspur and Amritsar in Indian Punjab.

★ 'Jhangvi or Jhangochi'
This dialects is spoken in the central Pakistani Punjab, stretches from districts Khanewal to Jhang and includes Faisalabad and Chiniot.

★ 'Shahpuri'
This dialect is spoken in Sargodha, Khushab and Mandi Bahawaldin districts.

★ 'Pothowari' (regional language)
The area where Pothowari is spoken extends in the north from Pakistan Administered Kashmir (PAK) (Mirpur) to as far south as Jhelum, Gujar Khan, Chakwal and Rawalpindi. [phr] 49,440 (2000 WCD). Murree Hills north of Rawalpindi, and east to Azad Kashmir. To the north in the lower half of the Neelum Valley. Poonchi is east of Rawalakot. Potwari is in the plains around Rawalpindi. Punchhi and Chibhali are reported to be in Jammu and Kashmir. Alternate names: Potwari, Pothohari, Potohari, Chibhali, Dhundi-Kairali. Dialects: Pahari (Dhundi-Kairali), Pothwari (Potwari), Chibhali, Punchhi (Poonchi), Mirpuri. Pahari means 'hill language' referring to a string of divergent dialects, some of which may be separate languages. A dialect chain with Panjabi and Hindko. Closeness to western Pahari is unknown. Lexical similarity 76% to 83% among varieties called 'Pahari', 'Potwari', and some called 'Hindko' in Mansehra,Muzzaffarabad, and Jammun. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northern zone, Western Pahari

★ 'Hindko'
This dialect is spoken in districts of Peshawar, Attock, Nowshehra, Mansehra, Abbotabad and Murree.

★ 'Malwi'
Spoken in the eastern part of Indian Punjab. Main districts are Ludhiana, Ambala, Bathinda, Ganganagar, Malerkotla, Fazilka, Ferozepur. Malwa is the southern and central part of present day Indian Punjab. Also includes the Punjabi speaking northern areas of Haryana, viz. Ambala, Hissar, Sirsa, Kurukshetra etc.

★ 'Doabi' (regional language)
The word "Do Aabi" means "the land between to rivers" and this dialects is spoken between the rivers of Beas and Sutlej. It includes Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur districts.

★ 'Siraiki' /'Multani' (regional language)
'''Siraiki or Multani''' (also Lahndi by some) and perhaps differs from Punjabi more than any other dialect. Multani becomes more and more different as you move down south, as the influence of Sindhi increases, it is also known as Siraiki there. Siraiki itself is Sindhi word and means northern. See the map of Siraiki language: Siraiki Area's City of Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahimyar Khan, Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar, Dera Ismail Khan, Khanewal, Muzaffargarh, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Layyah and Mianwali.

Pashto ''(Provincial Language)''

Pashto ('پشتو') is spoken as a first language by 15% of Pakistanis, mostly in the North-West Frontier Province, Federally Administered Tribal Areas and in Balochistan as well as by immigrants to the eastern provinces who are often not counted due to census irregularities. Additionally, Afghan refugees are often outside the census count, but appear to be largely Pashto speakers from Afghanistan. 'Pashto' speakers are almost 15.42% of Pakistan's population and more than 50% in Afghanistan. 'Pashto' has no written literary traditions although it has a rich oral tradition. There are two major dialect patterns within which the various individual dialects may be classified; these are Pakhto, which is the northern (Peshawar) variety, and the softer Pashto spoken in southern areas.
Khushal Khan Khatak (1613-1689) and Rehman Baba (1633-1708) were two important poets in the Pashto language.

Sindhi ''(Provincial Language)''

Sindhi ('شندحی') is spoken as a first language by 14% of Pakistanis, in Sindh and parts of Balochistan. Sindhi has very rich literature and is used in schools. Sindhi languge contains Arabic words and is affected by Arabic language to a great extent. The reason being Arab ruled Sindh for more than 150 years. Muhammad bin Qasim entered Sindh and conquered it in 712 AD. He remained here for three years and set up Arabic rule in the area. According to historians, the social fabric of Sindh comprises elements of Arabic society.
'Sindhi' is spoken in 'Pakistan' and is also one of the constitutional languages of India. It is spoken by about 20 million people in the southern Pakistani province of Sindh, and by about 2½ million more across the border in India. In Pakistan it is written in the Arabic script with several additional letters to accommodate special sounds. The largest Sindhi-speaking city is 'Hyderabad, Pakistan'.
Sindhi literature is also spiritual in nature and Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (1689-1752) was one of its legendary poets who wrote Sassi Punnun, Umar Marvi in his famous book "Shah Jo Risalo".

Seraiki ''(Regional Language)''

Seraiki is related to Punjabi and Sindhi (See Classification, below) Spoken as a first language by 11% of Pakistanis, mostly in southern districts of Punjab (see Seraikis).
All most 10% of the population of 'Pakistan' speak Siraiki language. Dialects tend to blend into each other, into Punjabi to the east, and Sindhi to the south. Until recently it was considered to be a dialect of Punajbi. 85% lexical similarity with Sindhi; 68% with 'Odki' and 'Sansi'. Dialects are Derawali, Khatki, Jangli or Jatki and Riasti or Bahawalpuri.

Balochi ''(Provincial Language)''

Balochi ('بلوچی') is spoken as a first language by 4% of Pakistanis, mostly in Balochistan, Sindh and southern Punjab. 'Baluchi' language is spoken by almost 3% of the Pakistani population and is very close to the Persian language itself.
The name BALUCHI or BALOCHI is not found before the 10th Century. It is believed that the language was brought to its present location in a series of migrations from Northern Iran, near the Caspian Shores.
'Rakshani' is the major dialect group in terms of numbers. 'Sarhaddi', is a sub dialect of Rakshani. Other sub - dialects are 'qalati', 'Chagai-kharani', 'Panjguri'. Eastern Hill Baluchi or Northern Baluchi is very different from the rest.

Gujarati ''(Regional Language)''

Gujarati is spoken by 100,000 Pakistani citizens who originate from Gujarat in India and reside in Sindh. All Parsi (5,000), many Ismaili Muslims, and many Hindus (10,000 to 100,000) speak Gujarati. Many Parsi and Ismailis are literate in Gujarati.

Other languages

Numerous other languages are spoken by relatively small numbers of people, especially in some of the more remote and isolated places in, for example, the Northern Areas of Pakistan [1]. These inlude:

#Burshaski - Spoken in Hunza
#Shina - spoken in District Gilgit
#Khowar - Spoken is Chitral
#Gawri - Spoken is Swat and Upper Dir
#Kalash - spoken the Kalash Valley

Classification

Indo-Aryan

Nearly all of Pakistan's languages are Indo-European languages. About 80% of them are Indo-Aryan languages.

Lahnda dialects

Punjabi, Hindko and Seraiki, all mutually intelligible, are classified by linguists as dialects of Lahnda [2], also spelled as Lehnda. These are also, to a lesser extent, mutually intelligible with Urdu. Added together, speakers of these mutually-intelligible languages make up nearly two-thirds of Pakistan's population. Seraiki also is similar to the Sindhi language.

Iranian family of languages

Pashto and Balochi are classified as members of the Iranian family of languages. [3] If combined, Iranian peoples who speak Pashto, Balochi, Dari (Afghan refugees speak both Pashto and the Afghan-Persian dialect of Dari), Persian, and Wakhi comprise over 20% of the population of Pakistan. Persian was the official language of South Asian Muslim states particularly in the Pakistan region for centuries before the British colonial rule. It is taught and understood in many schools in Pakistan.

Dravidian

Brahui belongs to the Dravidian language family. Brahui is a minor language of the Eastern province of Balochistan inhabitied by the Brahui. Brahui is heavily influenced by Baluchi and Sindhi, languages in which many Brahui speakers are necessarily bilingual. Brahui now has rather fewer inherited Dravidian words in its lexicon and is gradually incorporating more Urdu, Balochi and even Pashto.

See also

★ The Uddin and Begum Urdu-Hindustani Romanization

★ Hindustani

★ List of official languages

★ Pakistan

★ Sindhi language

★ Pashto

★ Punjabi language

★ Baloch language

★ Kashmiri language

★ Statistics Division of the Government of Pakistan

★ Urdu

★ Urdu keyboard

External links

★ Urdu Site Pakistan's Official Language Urdu Site

★ Urdu Dictionary

★ Pakistan Facts & Figures

★ CIA - the worldfact book, Pakistan Section

★ Statistics from Pakistan Government Statistics

★ List of Pakistani Languages

★ Frontier Language Institute