Islamabad, April 8, 2026 — The Forum for Language Initiatives (FLI) brought together its partners for a one-day summit in Islamabad, where 27 representatives from 16 language communities across northern Pakistan and the federal capital gathered to review last year’s achievements and chart the course for 2026.

Leadership and Vision

The summit was chaired by Rozi Khan Burki, Chairman of FLI’s Executive Board, who emphasized that language researchers are now empowered to lead development efforts thanks to FLI’s sustained support. Fakhruddin Akhunzada, FLI’s Executive Director, welcomed participants who braved the rainy weather to ensure full participation.

Keynote and Guest Addresses

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Muhammad Kamal, Head of English at Allama Iqbal Open University and FLI board member, who highlighted the importance of strengthening multilingualism, diversity, and language preservation.
For the first time, Munawar from the Indus Cultural Forum (ICF) joined the summit, praising FLI’s role in promoting cultural diversity and pledging continued collaboration. A guest from UNESCO’s Esperanto language program also introduced participants to this artificial language, sparking dialogue on global linguistic innovation. Assistant Registrar Open University, Ms. Bibi Yasmin also graced with her presence.

Partner Presentations

In the second session, partners delivered 13 presentations showcasing progress since last year’s meeting. They shared insights on:

• Using social media to engage youth in language work
• The role of poetry in language revival
• Advocacy strategies to mobilize communities
• How local leadership can influence language preservation efforts

Outcomes and Commitments

The summit concluded with a collective pledge to:

• Work jointly on heritage language preservation
• Ensure gender-balanced approaches
• Continue sharing knowledge and strategies in the days ahead

We are pleased to share our Annual Report, capturing a year of growth, and collaboration. This publication highlights the initiatives we undertook, the communities we engaged, and the progress achieved in advancing cultural preservation, strengthening and inclusive development.
The report reflects not only our organizational milestones but also the collective spirit of partners, supporters, and communities who make this journey possible. We invite you to read through the stories, data, and reflections that illustrate how shared commitment can create lasting impact.

E-version: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/f4cb098cac.html#page/1

Download from HERE

Islamabad | January 31, 2026
FLI has launched a new project to promote poetry in the Ormuri and Palula languages. The initiative marks another milestone in FLI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen indigenous languages through creative and cultural expression.
The first activity of the project has begun at FLI’s Islamabad office, where a three-day training is underway for individuals directly involved in the program. Two representatives from Ormuri and two from Palula are participating in this training, which is designed to build their skills in both digital and print documentation of poetry. By the end of the program, participants will also be equipped to use social media platforms to share their work and celebrate the richness of their languages and cultures.
Earlier, following thorough discussions, FLI entered into agreements with both target language communities—Ormuri and Palula—leading to the conception of this poetry promotion project. The training aims to empower and equip community members with the necessary resources to implement the initiative effectively.
Both languages are spoken by around 20,000 people each in their respective regions. Palula, spoken in southern Chitral, has long been a literary language within FLI’s focus, while Ormuri, spoken in the Kaniguram area of South Waziristan Upper, has also been a part of FLI’s language development work.
This poetry promotion project is expected to enrich the literary traditions of both languages, strengthen cultural identity, and inspire participation across all age groups within the communities—contributing to the broader goal of language revival and preservation.

FLI is proud to present a devotional song in the Shina language, created to celebrate the spiritual and cultural heritage of Shina-speaking communities and to inspire a new generation to reconnect with their mother tongue. This recording blends traditional melody with accessible production so young listeners can both enjoy the music and feel a renewed sense of belonging to their language and culture.

The song is offered as a small, mystical gift: a moment of reflection, a bridge between elders and youth, and a creative example of how language can live in contemporary media. It is part of FLI’s wider effort to promote mother-tongue use across social and cultural domains, and to support projects that strengthen identity, pride, and intergenerational transmission.

Why this matters

Shina is one of the many indigenous languages of northern Pakistan that carries unique histories, songs, and spiritual practices. Creative works like this devotional song help keep those traditions alive by making them relevant and shareable for younger audiences. Music is a powerful tool for language revitalization: it travels easily, invites participation, and creates emotional connections that textbooks cannot.

Watch and listen by clicking HERE