We know that nations are divided into underdeveloped, developed, and developing categories. Underdeveloped nations have not grown or prospered, developing nations are making efforts to progress, and developed nations are prosperous and peaceful in all regards. This progress is due to education. However, Balochistan, a province of Pakistan (a developing country), faces several problems, particularly the neglect of its mother tongue, Balochi.
Despite Balochi language describing our tradition, social norms, and cultural values, it is being ignored. Baloch people value other languages over their own, and the reason for this neglect is the emphasis on languages like Urdu and English. Moreover, there are flaws in our education system; Balochi is partially banned in schools, and Urdu and English are taught instead, diverting attention away from Balochi.
If we look at other nations, we see that in Punjab, students study Punjabi, but in Balochistan, students are not taught Balochi. This shows that Baloch people are deprived everywhere. After independence, we adopted the British style of education, but we still fail to meet the needs of our people. Sadly, most Baloch are fluent in English but struggle to read and write in Balochi, indicating that our mother tongue is at risk of being lost.
What surprises me most is that, in the past 64 years, Balochi was taught in institutions, but the practice was discontinued. Language is the backbone of a nation, and Balochi is the identity of the Baloch people. Despite this, the language is given no importance. Balochi is the main source of communication among Baloch people, presenting human religion, values of social groups, and components of culture and society.
According to the latest census, the total Baloch population is 6 million, with 70% living in Balochistan and the rest in other provinces. Balochi is spoken in Southeastern Pakistan and Southeastern Iran, and other parts of the country, with an estimated 8-10 million speakers.
However, the Balochi language has remained under the influence of national and local languages within the country.
The neglect of Balochi is not only a cultural tragedy but also a political injustice, a stark reminder of the systematic marginalization of the Baloch people, who have been denied their basic right to express themselves in their mother tongue.
Therefore, the government must make Balochi a compulsory subject at all levels, but unfortunately, every government focuses on short-term gains when implementing laws. To know your nation, first understand the language.