Once again, I have an excuse to revisit an issue that has bothered me for a long time. And I also see this as an example of how pointless it is to write these columns. Or how futile are the assertions of learned experts and thinkers who have continuously spoken in public about these matters.

Because it seems the policymakers do not listen, think or have the capability to change the system that hangs around their neck like an albatross. There is hardly a new beginning in any sphere or an inclination to learn the lessons that have been learnt in other countries. Those are countries that have made progress. We, on the contrary, have regressed.

Anyhow, I am referring to the enigma of the English language in our system of education and in our lives. Obviously, I cannot deal with the complexities of our relationship with English, which is essentially a foreign language, in this brief presentation.

The paradox here is that I am arguing against the imposition of English as a means of empowerment in our society in an English newspaper. My first love remains Urdu, and I have been faithful in my passion. But when I decided to become a journalist, ages ago, the option was obvious, for reasons I need not bring up here.

Now, the excuse that I spoke about. The peg I needed was provided by Thursday’s session of the Art Council’s Writers & Readers Café, conducted with great dedication by Dr Tanvir Anjum. The topic this time was the role played by SPELT in the context of the........

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