ISLAMABAD: Urdu Dictionary patron and philanthropist Haji Muhammad Rafiq Pardesi may receive Pakistan’s highest civil award after Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi announced he would recommend his name.

The minister made the announcement during the launch of the first three volumes of the 22-volume Urdu Dictionary.

The National Language Promotion Department organized the ceremony at Urdu House in Islamabad, while the Karachi office of the Urdu Dictionary Board prepared the publication.

Khichi praised Pardesi for supporting the project financially and academically. He described the dictionary as a valuable national asset that preserves Pakistan’s linguistic heritage.

According to the minister, Urdu represents Pakistan’s national identity and cultural legacy. He also pledged the government’s continued support for projects that promote the national language.

Experts have completed three volumes, and the remaining 19 are expected within a year. Khichi also praised the dictionary’s modern Nastaliq design, saying it reflects the continued growth of the Urdu language.

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Federal Secretary Asad Rehman Gilani, Director General Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, linguist Dr. Haji Muhammad Rafiq Pardesi, Executive Director Dr. Rashid Hameed, and several scholars attended the ceremony.

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Gilani described the publication as the result of decades of scholarly research. In his remarks, he said every nation protects its language to preserve its knowledge and culture.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar said the dictionary ranks among the world’s finest reference works. He noted that the first edition appeared in 1977, while the previous series concluded in 2010.

Mazhar expressed confidence that the remaining volumes would reach completion much faster.

Dr. Rashid Hameed thanked Haji Muhammad Rafiq Pardesi for financing the project. He described the contribution as a remarkable service to Pakistan’s academic community.

Scholars Highlight Dictionary’s Importance

Speaking at the event, Pardesi said the dictionary would help researchers, students, and language experts across Pakistan.

Describing Urdu as his mother, he said supporting the language brings him immense satisfaction.

“I have travelled across the world, but no country compares to Pakistan,” Pardesi said. “Serving Urdu gives me great happiness.”

Several scholars also highlighted the dictionary’s academic value.

Dr. Farooq Adil said it traces the history of every word from its origin to modern usage.

Meanwhile, Dr. Abid Sial described Urdu as the world’s third-largest language. He said the dictionary would strengthen Pakistan’s cultural identity.

Dr. Humaira Ashfaq explained that the team scanned the dictionary cards and created a digital edition. Students and researchers can now access both printed and electronic versions.

Dr. Rabia Kayani described the publication as an authentic record of Pakistan’s linguistic heritage.

According to Dr. Amjad Kalu, dictionaries remain among the most valuable academic resources because each word carries historical and scholarly significance.

MoU Signed for Remaining Volumes

The ceremony concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Haji Muhammad Rafiq Pardesi and the National Heritage and Culture Division.

The agreement covers the publication of all 22 volumes.

During the ceremony, Pardesi presented a copy of the Tabarakat Quran Hakim and the first three dictionary volumes to the federal minister.

In recognition of his contribution, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar presented Pardesi with a certificate of appreciation.