US Ambassador launches Urdu websites for US Mission Pakistan

KARACHI: US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard G. Olson announced the launch of US Mission Pakistan’s Urdu-languages websites on Tuesday during his visit to Karachi.

“We now have comprehensive Urdu-language websites at the Embassy in Islamabad as well as our three Consulates in Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi,” said Ambassador Olson, according to a press release issued here today.

Recognising the importance of providing information to Pakistanis in their national language, Ambassador Olson said, “Today, Urdu speakers all over Pakistan will be able to learn more about a range of US government services and programs.”

He said this will be of special interest for those applying for visas or grants and exchanges, and also for those who would like to keep themselves up-to-date on the latest US Mission Pakistan announcements.

The Urdu-language websites will provide Pakistanis with contact information and links to major US government agencies and partner organisations including the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the US Education Foundation Pakistan (USEFP) and EducationUSA, and US Commercial Services.

The sites also have links to the US Mission in Pakistan’s Facebook pages and Twitter accounts.

The four Urdu-language web sites can be accessed at:

Embassy Islamabad: urdu.pakistan.usembassy.gov

Consulate General Lahore: urdu.lahore.usconsulate.gov

Consulate General Peshawar: urdu.peshawar.usconsulate.gov

Consulate General Karachi: urdu.karachi.usconsulate.gov

Earlier today, the Supreme Court had ordered the implementation of Urdu as the official language in government offices.

The Supreme Court has ordered the immediate implementation of Article 251 and issued nine guidelines for making Urdu an official language.