Sindhi Language Act: Background and Perspective

Abstract

In 1953 the British administration designated Sindhi as the official language of Sindh and the primary medium of instruction. This status remained intact until 1947. However, subsequent policy shifts significantly undermined the historical position of the language. Between 1948 and 1950 numerous Sindhi-medium schools in Karachi and Hyderabad were converted to Urdu-medium instructions. In 1956 Sindhi was abolished as an examination medium at the University of Karachi. Furthermore, the 1959 Education Commission report proposed restricting Sindhi instruction to the primary level. This triggered widespread public protests, forcing the central government to withdraw the decision. Similar marginalization occurred in 1969 when the government excluded Sindhi from voter registration list. The sparked further hunger strikes and demonstrations. A significant legislative turning point occurred on July 7, 1972 with the passage of the Sindhi Language Teaching, Promotion and use Act. This bill mandated Sindhi instruction in all provincial educational institutions and led to the establishment of the Sindhi Language Authority in 1990. This study evaluates contemporary measure to enforce Sindhi language use in government office, private sectors and digital media. It further provides strategic recommendations for integrating modern science and technology into the Sindhi linguistic framework.