The Forum for Language Initiatives (FLI) has just rolled out a major upgrade to its Android keyboards, now supporting 15 indigenous languages of northern Pakistan. This milestone marks a significant leap in digital accessibility and linguistic empowerment.

Available Now on Google Play

• 10 keyboards are already live on the Google Play Store, ready for download.
• 5 more are currently under review and expected to launch soon.

Key Features at a Glance

• Android 15 Compatibility: Fully optimized for the latest Android OS, ensuring smooth performance on modern devices.
• Urdu Support Included: No need for a separate Urdu keyboard — it’s built right in.
• Lightweight Design: Each keyboard is under 1 MB, making it ideal for low-storage devices.
• Privacy-First: No ads, no access to your gallery, contacts, or location. Once installed, it runs offline — no permissions required.

A Tool for Cultural Expression

FLI is proud to offer these keyboards as a resource for writers, educators, and social media users who want to communicate in their native languages. This upgrade is part of FLI’s ongoing commitment to language preservation and digital inclusion.

 

We at Forum for Language Initiatives (FLI) are proud to announce the publication of our latest contribution to indigenous literature: The Evergreen Khowar Songs of Chitral, a beautifully curated collection of traditional Khowar songs, now available with rhythmic translations in English and Urdu.

Authored by Qazi Inayat Jalil, this book is a testament to the enduring spirit of Khowar oral traditions. It not only preserves the poetic richness of these songs but also makes them accessible to wider audiences through carefully crafted translations that retain their lyrical essence.

This marks the ninth book we’ve published in the Khowar language, a milestone in our ongoing journey to uplift and document the voices of northern Pakistan. Spoken in Chitral, parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, and a few villages in Swat, Khowar is a literary language with deep cultural roots. Yet, it has long faced challenges due to orthographic inconsistencies. At FLI, we’ve worked closely with Khowar-speaking researchers to standardize its writing system, ensuring clarity, continuity, and dignity in its representation.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Qazi Inayat Jalil for his incredible work, and to the Khowar community whose heritage this book celebrates. Beyond its poetic beauty, the book uncovers fascinating insights into the history and evolution of old Khowar songs, offering readers a glimpse into the soul of Chitrali culture.

At FLI, we remain committed to supporting such unique and meaningful projects that honor indigenous languages and empower local voices. This book is more than a publication—it’s a cultural archive, a bridge between generations, and a celebration of linguistic identity.

Let the songs of Khowar echo far and wide.

Peshawar, September 4, 2025 — The Forum for Language Initiatives (FLI) convened a partners’ meeting today in Peshawar, bringing together leaders from 14 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The one-day gathering served as a platform for reflection, collaboration, and renewed commitment to indigenous language preservation.
Over the past six months, these CBOs have been actively engaged in grassroots efforts to strengthen their mother tongues. The meeting spotlighted inspiring stories from the field, with Nasir Mansur of the Kateviri language community earning special praise for his work with a government school in his village. He trained children to deliver speeches in their native language during Independence Day celebrations on August 14 — a moving initiative that saw enthusiastic participation from young speakers.
Alauddin from the Yadgha language group surprised attendees with news of writers’ workshops held in both private and government schools in his region, nurturing literary expression among students. Another milestone was the first-time representation of the Mankiyali language, spoken by fewer than 500 people in Mansehra district. Aurangzeb’s presentation marked a significant step forward in visibility and advocacy for this endangered language.
Following the presentations, FLI facilitated a session focused on promoting indigenous languages through poetry. Participants were encouraged to engage poets from their communities, recognizing the power of verse in cultural preservation and linguistic pride.
The meeting also explored strategies to expand language documentation across diverse domains, with participants offering valuable feedback and ideas. In a major development, a provincial-level regional network was formed to unify efforts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A dedicated WhatsApp group was launched to foster ongoing collaboration and coordination.
In the closing resolution, participants committed to advocating for linguistic rights through their elected representatives. Regional delegations were announced to engage with members of the provincial assembly, aiming to push forward a resolution that would reinforce the government’s commitment to indigenous language support.
FLI remains steadfast in its mission to empower communities, amplify voices, and ensure that the rich linguistic heritage of northern Pakistan continues to thrive.

On June 15, 2025, the Damel Valley in Lower Chitral witnessed a historic moment: the first-ever Conference on Dameli Language and Culture. Organized by Anjuman Taraqqi Damyan Basha (ATD) in partnership with the Forum for Language Initiatives (FLI), the event brought together over 130 participants, including language activists, poets, researchers, and community members, to celebrate and advance the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Dameli-speaking people.

The conference featured sessions on language development, oral traditions, and inter-community exchange, with contributions from neighboring language groups such as Palula, Khowar, Gawarbati, and Kateviri. A major milestone was the launch of Dameli’s first poetry book, Zadi Ta Kan, authored by Mr. Asmat Ullah Dameli, marking a significant step in building a written literary tradition.

FLI’s longstanding support—through funding, mentorship, and publishing—was pivotal in making the event a success. The Executive Director of the organization, Mr. Fakhar ud Din Akhunzada underscored the importance of linguistic diversity for peace and inclusion in his keynote speech.

A multilingual poetry session (Mushaera) and strong youth engagement added further depth to the day, sparking enthusiasm for creative writing, language documentation, and cultural promotion.

This landmark event affirmed the strength of grassroots cultural movements and the importance of strategic partnerships in revitalizing endangered languages.

Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – FLI, in collaboration with the Department of Professional Development (DPD), Peshawar, has launched a Training of Trainers (ToT) initiative to strengthen Saraiki language teaching in government schools. The program, which commenced today, equips eight government school teachers—four female and four male—with the expertise to train an additional 50 educators in Saraiki subject instruction.

This initiative marks the third phase of an ongoing process, preceded by a Training Needs Assessment (TNA) conducted by FLI and DPD. Insights from the assessment informed the development of a training guide, ensuring the program addresses the gaps in mother tongue teaching.

Saraiki was officially incorporated into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s educational system as a school subject in 2018, alongside Pashto, Khowar, and Hindko. Since then, FLI has played its role in strengthening indigenous language instruction, having already trained around 100 teachers in Khowar subject teaching. This latest intervention seeks to fill the gap in specialized Saraiki teaching support, ensuring educators are equipped to deliver quality language education.

FLI remains committed to preserving and promoting indigenous languages through education, recognizing that teaching children in their mother tongue enhances learning outcomes and strengthens their connection to cultural identity. This initiative aligns with the KP government’s vision to integrate native languages into formal education, ensuring sustainable linguistic and cultural preservation.