Lawmakers can speak Punjabi in Pakistan's Punjab Assembly

Islamabad, June 7

Lawmakers in Pakistan’s Punjab Assembly will now be able to speak in at least four indigenous languages, including Punjabi, in the House apart from English and Urdu after an amendment was made.

A special committee of the Punjab Assembly, led by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, approved on Thursday amendments allowing lawmakers to address the House in Punjabi, Saraiki, Potohari and Mewati in addition to English and Urdu, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.

Previously, a member needed permission from the Speaker to use any language other than English and Urdu, which was not always granted.

The amendment to the rules aimed to enhance accessibility for constituents who speak these languages, fostering a more representative and responsive legislative body, while the change reflects the multilingual nature of the province, enabling legislators to communicate and fully participate in legislative discussions effectively.