Silenced Tongues: Power, Policy, and the Precarious Future of Pahari in Pakistan’s Azad Kashmir Diaspora

Abstract

This study investigates the rapid decline of Pahari, a mother tongue central to the cultural identity of the Azad Kashmiri community in Pakistan, against the backdrop of state-driven linguistic hegemony and sociopolitical marginalization. Focusing on urban communities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the research employs ethnographic interviews, participant observation, and critical discourse analysis to examine how systemic power hierarchies and Urdu-centric policies disrupt the intergenerational transmission of Pahari. Findings indicate a significant decline in Pahari proficiency among the younger generation, with a marked shift toward Urdu and English. Gendered dimensions are evident, as women report pressure to abandon Pahari due to social stigma, while men align with Urdu for career advancement. Economic drivers further compel migration to urban centers, reinforcing language shift. The study argues that constitutional recognition, educational reforms, and digital revitalization strategies are essential to counter linguistic homogenization and preserve Pakistan’s cultural diversity.