Azad Kashmir Language

Introduction

Azad Kashmir Language, located in the northern region of Pakistan, is home to a diverse range of languages reflecting its rich cultural heritage and geographic diversity. The main languages spoken in Azad Kashmir include Pahari-Pothwari, Hindko, Kashmiri, Gojri, and Urdu. Each language is distinct yet interconnected with the history, traditions, and identities of the people in the region.

1. Pahari-Pothwari (Azad Kashmir Language)

The most widely spoken language in Azad Kashmir, particularly in areas like Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and Mirpur. Pahari-Pothwari is closely related to Punjabi and is often considered a dialect.

2. Hindko (Azad Kashmir Language)

Hindko is spoken by a significant portion of the population, especially around Muzaffarabad and some northern areas. This language shares similarities with both Pahari and Punjabi but has distinct dialectal differences.

3. Kashmiri (Azad Kashmir Language)

Though not as widely spoken as in Jammu & Kashmir, Kashmiri is present in parts of Azad Kashmir, especially among communities originally from the Kashmir Valley.

4. Gojri

Gojri is spoken by the Gujjar community in Azad Kashmir, which is spread across various regions. Gojri is an ancient language with connections to Rajasthani languages.

5. Urdu

Urdu is the official language and is commonly used for education, government, and media. Most residents are fluent in Urdu, making it a language that connects different linguistic groups.

Many residents of Azad Kashmir are multilingual, often speaking their native language along with Urdu, and in some cases, English as well.