Forum for Language Initiatives

02/08/2026

Last weekend, the Kalkoti Community Welfare Organization (KCWO), with support from FLI, hosted “Kalkoti Poetry & Student Speeches 2026” in Kalkot, Upper Dir.
Schoolchildren delivered inspiring speeches in their mother tongue.
Poets shared verses on Kohistan, nature, peace, and sacrifice. Scholars highlighted the role of literature (adab) in Islam and society.
This Mushaira marks a step toward reviving literary traditions and strengthening cultural identity.
Read the full coverage on WebNews for details! https://fli-online.org/kalkoti-poets-students-push-their-language-forward/

20/07/2026

Celebrating Palula Poetry in Lower Chitral!
FLI supported its partner, the Palula Community Welfare Organization (PCWO), in hosting a poetry gathering in Biori village, Lower Chitral on July 18.
Dozens of community members — youth and elders alike — joined the event. More than a dozen poets shared their voices in the Palula language, keeping alive the oral traditions of poetry. This initiative is part of FLI’s Poetry Promotion Project in Palula and Ormuri, alongside Community-Led Cultural Events in other languages.
Special guests included Dr. Jakob, a German linguist researching Kateviri in the Kalash valleys, and FLI’s Executive Director.
Palula is one of the literate languages of the region. By supporting poetry, FLI is helping communities strengthen their languages and inspire the next generation.

16/07/2026

FLI Publishes First Poetry Anthology in Kateviri Language!

We are delighted to announce the publication of Aruswari — meaning “tasty words” — the very first poetry book in the Kateviri language. This anthology brings together the voices of nine poets from the Kateviri community, marking a historic milestone in their literary journey.

Special appreciation goes to Abdul Nasir Mansur, whose encouragement inspired the poets to contribute, and to Dr. Jakob, who provided IPA translations of the verses.

What makes Aruswari unique is its trilingual presentation — the poetry appears not only in Kateviri but also in Urdu and English, opening doors for linguists and readers worldwide to explore this rich tradition.

Kateviri, a Nooristani language spoken by around 6,000 people in the peripheral villages of Kalash Valley, Chitral, has seen remarkable progress. Since FLI began supporting Kateviri in 2022, local researchers have produced six books in just four years — a testament to their dedication and vision.

The local researchers have planned to launch the book on July 19 in their native place. We warmly invite the community to join them in this hour of celebration and share in the pride of this achievement.

We wholeheartedly congratulate the Kate community on this milestone and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their mission of strengthening and preserving their language.

News & Events, News HomeFLI Publishes First Poetry Anthology in Kateviri LanguageThe Forum for Language Initiatives (FLI) has proudly announced the publication of Aruswari — meaning “tasty words” — the first-ever poetry anthology in the Kateviri language. This landmark book brings together t...

15/07/2026

FLI 2nd Quarterly Report Released!

We’re excited to share highlights from our latest report:

50 schoolteachers in Dera Ismail Khan trained in Saraiki teaching

National & regional partners meeting to strengthen collaboration

Taking up the Madaklashti language for documentation and development

👉 Read the full report here: chrome-extensio://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://fli-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/FLIs-2nd-Quarter-Activity-Report.pdf

18/06/2026

FLI's Regional Partners from GB Meet in Gilgit

Today, FLI’s regional partners gathered in Gilgit City to review the objectives of their last networking meeting and to plan for the years ahead. Together, they pledged to strengthen collaboration for the preservation of their languages and cultures, while enhancing networking within their communities.

Representatives from all six language communities—Shina, Balti, Burushaski, Khowar, Wakhi, and Domaaki—joined the session. Mr. Abdul Saboor represented the Gilgit-Baltistan Government, while Dr. Kaneez Fatima from Karakoram International University and Dr. Issa, Head of the English Department at the University of Baltistan, enriched the gathering with their academic insights.

Highlights:

Partners shared updates on last year’s community-level advocacy and achievements.

Dr. Issa delivered a keynote speech to set the tone for collective action.

Mr. Abdul Saboor guided participants on approaching institutions for funding and support.

Plans were developed to strengthen work at both community and institutional levels.

FLI facilitated this important space for dialogue, enabling partners to build relationships not only among language communities but also with academia and government bodies. FLI reaffirmed its support and guidance for advocacy at regional and federal levels, while encouraging partners to activate their networks for the cause of languages and cultures.

This was the second meeting of FLI’s regional network in GB. Earlier this year, many of these partners also participated in the national-level gathering. In the next meeting, today’s participants will present on the implementation of the plans developed here.

Together, we move forward—stronger, united, and committed to our heritage. Khowar (کھوار )
International Decade of Indigenous Languages

18/06/2026

https://www.dawn.com/news/2008783?utm_source=whatsapp

CHITRAL: In a landmark development for the preservation of regional languages, a historic five-day orthography...

16/06/2026

08/06/2026

FLI’s workshop for researchers from the Madaklashti Persian community has kicked off today in the Madaklasht area of Lower Chitral. A total of 14 researchers, including 6 women, are participating.

The aim of the intervention is to help researchers lay the foundations for writing the language. FLI’s local partner, Hunarmandan, is collaborating with us. The language — its title is expected to be decided by the end of the activity — is spoken by over 5,000 people in the area.

According to community accounts, their ancestors, traditionally arms manufacturers, were invited to settle in this location in the mid-18th century by the rulers of Chitral, having migrated from Badakhshan in Central Asia. They continue to use their language and want to see it developed for literature.

FLI has launched this first intervention, with more activities planned for the future.

19/05/2026

"Ormuri Poets Enhance Their Skills in Creative Documentation"
FLI organized a three day workshop in Dera Ismail Khan for Ormuri poets, enabling them to create content and write in their own language.
Ormuri, spoken in Kaniguram, South Waziristan by around 6,000 people, has long been part of FLI’s language development work. This workshop introduced poets to:
• Language & Technology
• Language & Technology
• Creative Documentation Basics
• Social Media Creation & Use
• Video Editing
• Applied Practice with digital tools
A total of seven Ormuri poets participated, combining linguistic standardization with practical training in modern technology. The program strengthens their creative development and ensures Ormuri poetry thrives in both traditional and digital spaces.
Since many Ormuri speakers live outside their native region, FLI plans further activities to engage more poets and oral artists in the coming days. International Decade of Indigenous Languages - Grassroots Movement