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

Muzaffarabad, AJK — The Forum for Language Initiatives (FLI) organized a Capacity Building Workshop for Gojri Language Curriculum Developers and Reviewers from December 29, 2025 to January 2, 2026. The event brought together 15 Gojri reviewers, including teachers, linguists, and educationists, to strengthen curriculum development in light of the recent inclusion of Gojri in the educational framework of Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

Gojri, spoken widely across northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and adjoining regions, has long been in written use. However, experts emphasized that further work is needed to standardize its orthography. Participants suggested that in future phases, representatives from Swat, Dir, Shangla, and Buner should also be included to broaden the scope of engagement.

This initiative marks a significant step toward preserving and promoting Gojri language and culture, ensuring its dignified representation in education and literature.