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Revision as of 12:44, 3 January 2007
Seraiki (Urdu: سراییکی ) is a ethnic group in Punjab, Pakistan. Ther are approximately 14 million Seraiki people in central Pakistan speak the Siraiki language in the Sindh and Punjab provinces, mainly based in the former princely state of Bahawalpur.
Beginning in the 1960s, Seraiki nationalists have sought to gain language rights and lessen Punjabi control over the natural resources of Siraili lands. This has led to a proposed separate province Seraikistan, a region being drawn up by activists in the 1970. The 1977 coup by General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq of Pakistan, a centralist ruler, caused the movement to go underground. After his death in 1988 allowed the Seraiki movement to re-emerge openly with the goals to have a Seraiki nationality recognised, to have official documents printed in Seraiki, a Seraiki regiment in the Pakistan Army, employment quotas and more Seraiki language radio and television.
Several parties are working for this mission like Pakistan Seraiki Party, Siraikistan Qaumi Movement, and Seraiki National Party. Majid Kanjoo is one of the leaders of the Seraikistan movement.