Pak writer blames Brits for causing rift through language

Amritsar, Aug 16 (UNI) The Britishers had shrewdly created an atmosphere of communalism in Punjab on the basis of language and the sub-continent were still suffering for that, according to eminent Pakistani writer Mr Maqsood Sakib.

However, it was a matter of pride that Punjab had preserved its rich traditional cultural heritage, said Mr Sakib, who along with Col. Nadir Ali was here at the Guru Nanak Dev University to interact with the faculty and students of Punjabi Studies in a face-to-face programme today.

Talking about the strengthening of cordial and peaceful relations in the recent years, Mr Sakib said that the people of both the countries wanted peace and were eager to meet each other frequently without any restriction.

Mr Sakib is the first Punjabi writer who had been honoured with Bhai Vir Singh Puraskar by Bhai Vir Singh Sahit Sadan.

Col. Nadir Ali, another Pakistani writer, said Punjabi conveyed its 800 years old heritage and from Baba Farid to Ghulam Farid there was a rich tradition, which reached us through the great Gurus, who wrote for the welfare of the humanity.

He lamented that Punjabi language in Pakistan still could not achieve its respectable place but in Indian Punjab, teaching, learning and studying Punjabi was a mission.

UNI