Pakistan

About the Pakistan guides

There is no single language called Pakistani. Urdu is the national language and is understood across the country. English is used in government, law and higher education. Most people grow up speaking a regional language. Punjabi is the most common first language, followed by Pashto, Sindhi, Saraiki and Balochi. Most guides in this category give Urdu, and some also give words in Punjabi, Sindhi or Pashto.

In Urdu, use aap as the polite "you" with strangers and older people, and keep tum for friends. Assalam o alaikum is the usual greeting.

National languageUrdu
Official languageEnglish, with Urdu
Most common first languagePunjabi
Other major languagesPashto, Sindhi, Saraiki, Balochi

Language status: Constitution of Pakistan. First languages: Census of Pakistan (2017). Retrieved 26 September 2026.

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