Translation Studies in Pakistan English-Arabic Translation In Pakistan: Scope And Activities By: Jamil Akhtar Lecturer, University of Gujrat CEO: Legal Translation Center Web: www.translationdirectory.pk Cell #: 0334 – 550 53 19

Introduction The field of Translation, no doubt, is as old as human beings are. But, according to Susan Bassnett, Translation Studies, as a new academic discipline, was born in the late 1970s. Translation-related scope and its activities from and into Arabic have expanded in the last few years.

English-Arabic Translation Departments and Centers in Pakistan Some Universities in Pakistan have established translation departments such as: International Islamic University, ISB National University of Modern Languages. And now University of Gujrat, Gujrat has also established translation studies center. There are also some other Private institutions who are offering translation courses such as: “المعهد للغة العربية ” in ISB and Al-Andalus Translation Institute in Lahore.

Translation Markets in Pakistan Question: Where the translation centers are located in different cities of Pakistan? And which one is considered the main translation market in Pakistan?

Translation Centers in Pakistan The Translation centers are located almost in every city of Pakistan. These are located near the court area of every city, by the name of “Translation center”, “Tarjma Center” etc. But it is also fact that most of these translation centers are being run by unprofessional staffs.

Main Translation Market in Pakistan Now, question arises, if most of these translation centers are run by unprofessional staff then where can we find the professional ones? We can find them in Islamabad which is considered a hub for translation due to the presence of embassies and ministries there.

Main Translation Market in Pakistan Although Karachi is considered a prominent point for translation, due to the presence of many online and offline translation centers in Karachi, yet the main translation market is located in Islamabad due to the presence of Embassies there. Although there are a lot of translation points in Islamabad such as, F-8/4 the court area, F-7 Blue area, G-9 Karachi Company, yet the Aabpara Market in Islamabad is considered the main translation market. More than Hundred translation centers are there in a very small area. I do not deny that some of those translation centers have also un-professional staff. Yet many of those centers have world-wide repute.

English-Arabic Translation Scope in Pakistan Many people think that there is no scope for English-Arabic translation studies in Pakistan. No, my dear!, although its demand is not high as English-Urdu translation yet some ministries are in need of those persons who can translate from English to Arabic and Arabic to English. As well as many Arab Embassies, institutions, persons are in need of those Pakistanis who can speak Arabic and can write reports related to political issues, securities issues. Clients pay such translators a heavy amount for this kind of translation. There are many translation centers in Pakistan that need those persons who can translate different kind of documents from English to Arabic and vice versa.

English-Arabic Translation Pioneers in Pakistan There are some high-profile persons in Pakistan who are providing English-Arabic translation and report writing services to Ministries and Arab Embassies. In Islamabad: there are many persons who are providing these services such as Mr. Ali Mahar (Hyderabad) office located near D-chowk, Mr. Jamal Nasar (Palestinian) his office is in a rented house located in F-7, Mr. Abu Bakar Siddique located in F-9, Mr. Abul Fazal (Iraqi). Such persons are providing there services to Arab Embassies. In Peshawar: Mr. Abu-Turab is providing such services to Arab World. In Lahore: Mr. Anees is providing such services. The high-professional translators are very few. That is why there is dire need of such person who have command over English-Arabic translation. So this field is open for new-comers.

Activities of English-Arabic Translation in Pakistan Along-with the aforementioned English-Arabic Translation services there are a lot of activities for English-Arabic translation in Pakistan, such as: Educational Documents’ translation for admission and for Job purposes. (CVs and documents of Teachers, Doctors, Engineers, Army personals) Family Documents’ translation. Legal Documents’ translation (such as FIRs)

Activities of English-Arabic Translation in Pakistan Arabic Translation of Applications, such as: Applications to Arab offices for construction of Masjid and religious institutions. Applications for leave extensions. Applications for individual help. Applications for Educational admissions.

Activities of English-Arabic Translation in Pakistan Legal Attorneys such as; Special power of attorney for sale/ transfer of vehicles. Special power of attorney for sale/ transfer of property such as: apartment, building. Special power of attorney for sale/ transfer of shares. Special power of attorney for receiving the dead-bodies.

Activities of English-Arabic Translation in Pakistan Documents’ translation for those persons who are providing Hajj and Umrah’s services. Arabic to English translation services to those persons who want to migrate Australia, UK and USA. Family documents and Educational documents issued from Arab countries as well as Wifaq-ul-Madaris’ certificates issued from Pakistan. Translation of Audit reports and Bank statements.

Activities of English-Arabic Translation in Pakistan Companies’ profile translation which includes its introduction, its legal documents, contracts, memorandums of understandings (MoU). MOU is a formal agreement between two or more parties. Companies and organizations can use MOUs to establish official partnerships. MOUs are not legally binding but they carry a degree of seriousness and mutual respect, stronger than a gentlemen's agreement. (For both: Origin in abroad or in Pakistan such as Hotel Management, construction company)

Practical Examples of English-Arabic Translation I myself am running a translation center, named Legal Translation Center. I am operating it offline as well as online using this web-address: www.translationdirectory.pk I have completed a lot of Arabic to English and English to Arabic projects. I have translated thousands documents. I translated many official letters of Mr. Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.

Practical Examples of English-Arabic Translation I translated and provided voice-over services to Fauji Fertilizer Company located in SONA tower Islamabad. I myself, translated OGRA’s former chairman Mr. Tauqir Sadiq’s case when he fled the country to UAE. This English to Arabic translation was submitted to UAE Interpol, they took action, captured the required person, handed it over to Pakistan.