What is the medium of instruction at primary level in Pakistan?

What is the medium of instruction at primary level in Pakistan? (a) Provincial language / Urdu (b) Urdu (c) English (d) Provincial language / English ✅ Correct option: (a) Provincial language / Urdu Explanation (200+ words) In Pakistan, the medium of instruction at the primary level is typically the provincial language or Urdu. This approach is recommended in national education policies to facilitate comprehension, literacy, and cognitive development among young children. Children learn more effectively when taught in a language they understand, allowing foundational skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic to develop rapidly. Provincial languages like Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, and others are used in schools in rural and local communities, while Urdu is widely used in urban schools and government primary schools. English is introduced later, usually at middle or high school level, to prepare students for higher education. This policy aligns with global educational research suggesting that mother-tongue instruction in early years improves learning outcomes, retention, and participation. For PPSC exams, the use of Urdu/provincial language at primary level is a frequently asked policy-based question. 10 Facts for PPSC 1. Primary level medium = Urdu or provincial language. 2. English introduced later in middle/high school. 3. Facilitates better comprehension. 4. Provincial language usage depends on region. 5. Supports literacy and foundational skills. 6. Rural schools mostly use local language. 7. Urban government schools use Urdu. 8. Aligns with National Education Policy recommendations. 9. Reduces early school dropouts. 10. Tested in education policy and curriculum questions.