ISLAMABAD, July 22: Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Kachhi on Tuesday unveiled the first three revised volumes of the Historical Urdu Dictionary at a ceremony organised by the National Language Promotion Department.
The event was attended by a large number of academic, literary and official figures, reflecting the importance attached to the project.
On the occasion, a memorandum of understanding was also signed between the federal minister and Dr Haji Muhammad Rafiq Pardesi for the publication of all 22 volumes of the Historical Urdu Dictionary.
Speaking at the ceremony, Aurangzeb Khan Kachhi said Urdu was the custodian of Pakistan’s national identity, civilisation and cultural heritage. He termed the publication of the Historical Urdu Dictionary a valuable national academic asset.
The federal minister said the government would continue to extend every possible support for the promotion of the Urdu language.
He also announced that he would recommend Dr Haji Muhammad Rafiq Pardesi for the highest civil award in recognition of his services.
Aurangzeb Khan Kachhi said the National Heritage and Culture Division, through its institutions, was playing an effective role in promoting language, literature and culture.
He added that the advancement of Urdu was a national responsibility and the publication of all 22 volumes of the Historical Urdu Dictionary would be an important national service.
