Asif Sheikh
The National Language Promotion Department (Idara-e-Farogh-e-Qaumi Zaban) hosted the launch ceremony of the first three volumes of the new and authentic edition of the Urdu Dictionary (Based on Historical Principles), prepared by the Urdu Dictionary Board.
The ceremony commenced with the national anthem, followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz Inam-ul-Haq and Naat-e-Rasool (PBUH) by Muhammad Zakaria Sheikh Ashrafi.
The event was presided over by Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi. Federal Secretary for National Heritage and Culture Division, Asad Rehman Gilani, and renowned linguist Dr. Haji Muhammad Rafiq Pardesi attended as the chief guests. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Rashid Hameed, Executive Director of the National Language Promotion Department, while Dr. Ghazal Yaqoob and Muhammad Tariq Bin Azad conducted the proceedings.
In his presidential address, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi described Urdu as the custodian of Pakistan’s national identity and cultural heritage. He said the publication of an authentic Urdu dictionary represents a valuable national scholarly asset, and the government will continue extending every possible support for its promotion. He added that the elegant Nastaliq edition reflects the continued progress of the Urdu language. He praised the National Heritage and Culture Division and its affiliated institutions for their significant contributions, describing the National Language Promotion Department as one of the most outstanding among them.
The Federal Minister also acknowledged the remarkable services of Dr. Haji Muhammad Rafiq Pardesi for this historic academic project, congratulated the National Language Promotion Department and the Urdu Dictionary Board, and announced that he would recommend Dr. Pardesi for Pakistan’s highest civil award in recognition of his exceptional contributions.
Speaking on the occasion, Asad Rehman Gilani said the new edition of the Urdu Dictionary is the result of years of dedicated scholarly work. He emphasized that nations which preserve their dictionaries also preserve their intellectual heritage and cultural identity. He praised the National Language Promotion Department for its outstanding role in promoting the national language and completing important academic projects, while congratulating Professor Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar and his entire team on this remarkable achievement.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, Director General of the National Language Promotion Department, highlighted the importance of preserving Pakistan’s literary and cultural heritage. He noted that the eleven literary and linguistic institutions established after the creation of Pakistan continue to play a vital role in promoting language and literature. He remarked that the Urdu Dictionary (Based on Historical Principles) stands comparison with any major dictionary in the world. He further stated that the first volume was published in 1977, the final volume in 2010, and expressed confidence that the remaining work would now be completed at a much faster pace.
Dr. Rashid Hameed thanked all the distinguished guests and paid tribute to Haji Muhammad Rafiq Pardesi, Founder of the Barkati Foundation, for assuming the financial responsibility of this landmark project. He noted that with the support of the Federal Government, the publication project is progressing rapidly.
Chief Guest Dr. Haji Muhammad Rafiq Pardesi described the Urdu Dictionary (Based on Historical Principles) as a fundamental resource for linguistic research. He said the new edition would provide researchers, scholars, and students with easier access to authentic linguistic material. Expressing his emotions, he remarked, “Today’s gathering has made me feel that my humble effort to publish the lifelong work of our elders has been accepted. Urdu is like my mother, and I am honored to spend my resources in her service. I have travelled the world, but I have found no country comparable to Pakistan.”
Distinguished scholars including Wajid Jawad, Dr. Farooq Adil, Dr. Abid Sial, Dr. Humaira Ashfaq, Dr. Rabia Kiani, and Dr. Amjad Kallu also shared their views on the importance of the Urdu language and the dictionary.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and Dr. Haji Muhammad Rafiq Pardesi for the publication of all 22 volumes of the dictionary.
On the occasion, Dr. Haji Muhammad Rafiq Pardesi presented sacred relics, a beautifully bound copy of the Holy Quran, and the first three volumes of the dictionary to the Federal Minister. In return, Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Haji Muhammad Rafiq Pardesi in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of Pakistan’s linguistic heritage.
