Islamabad – October 8, 2025: ConnectHear, Pakistan’s leading social enterprise working for disability inclusion in the country using technology, in collaboration with Ufone 4G (part of the PTCL Group) today unveiled first of its kind AI-powered Early Warning System ‘SUNO’ designed to deliver life-saving alerts in sign language for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

SUNO, supported and funded by GSMA Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation Fund, addresses a critical gap in emergency communication, ensuring that Deaf individuals receive timely alerts during natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. Through the system, sign language video alerts are instantly broadcast via Ufone’s WhatsApp bot, reaching at-risk individuals across Pakistan free of cost. ConnectHear creates the sign language content using state-of-the-art AI-powered technology, while Ufone provides the robust nationwide distribution infrastructure.

Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO, PTCL & Ufone 4G, reaffirmed his commitment under the ‘Dil Se’ platform to harnessing technology for social good, saying, “Our collaboration with ConnectHear reflects our belief that true digital inclusion leaves no one behind. Through our partner ConnectHear, we are using technology with purpose to create impact that truly matters.”

Speaking at the launch, Azima Dhanjee, Co-founder of ConnectHear, said: “In an emergency, communication isn’t just important, it’s a matter of life and death. For far too long, Deaf individuals which also includes my parents have been cut off from urgent alerts, and they must rely on others during a disaster. With this project, we’re finally changing that. Today’s demonstration proves that accessibility is not a privilege, but it’s a fundamental human necessity to survive during any emergency. We are deeply grateful to Ufone 4G for its partnership and commitment to making this vision a reality for the Deaf community.”

Kimberly Brown, Head of Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation, GSMA, said: “Inclusive innovation is key to ensuring that mobile technology delivers meaningful impact where it’s needed most. Through the GSMA Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges, supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, we are proud to back ConnectHear’s AI-powered platform, which brings life-saving information to Deaf communities in Pakistan. We are pleased to see the partnership between ConnectHear and GSMA mobile network operator member Ufone 4G, who are enabling the accessibility of this solution with their support and network. By harnessing mobile voice services and low-bandwidth tools, this initiative shows how mobile can break barriers in disaster preparedness – ensuring that even those historically excluded from emergency communication are informed, empowered, and protected.”

The launch event, held in Islamabad, demonstrated how technology and social innovation can come together to ensure that no one is left behind during times of crisis. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for inclusive technology in Pakistan, with the AI Early Warning System setting a new benchmark for how critical services can be designed to protect every citizen equally.

Karachi, Pakistan – March 20, 2025 – ConnectHear, South Asia’s leading assistive technology startup, renowned for its innovative use of AI and optimization in accessibility solutions, officially launched its groundbreaking ‘AI for Inclusive Disaster Response’ project today at its Access.Ability.Tech. event, held in Karachi. The initiative, supported by the GSMA Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges and in partnership with HANDS and Ufone 4G, leverages ConnectHear’s cutting-edge AI technology and virtual interpretation platform to ensure Pakistan’s Deaf community has access to life-saving information and communication during emergencies.

Pakistan, amongst the ten countries most affected by climate-related disasters, faces significant challenges in ensuring timely communication during emergencies, particularly for its over 10 million citizens with hearing impairment. The event featured keynote speeches emphasizing the collective responsibility of the public and private sectors in creating an accessible disaster response framework.

Mr. Kamran Akbar, Senior Social Development Specialist at the World Bank, was the Chief Guest at the event. Emphasizing the importance of accessibility in crisis management, Mr. Akbar stated, “Inclusive disaster response is not just a necessity but a responsibility. Leveraging AI to bridge communication gaps for Persons with Disabilities is a transformative step toward equitable crisis management. ConnectHear’s initiative sets a new standard for accessible emergency preparedness in Pakistan.”

Brigadier Tarique Quadir Lakhair, CEO, SIEHS-1122, joined as the Guest of Honour, highlighting the critical role of emergency response services. Brigadier Tarique said, “AI-driven innovation is transforming emergency response, making it more inclusive for Persons with Disabilities. The ‘Access.Ability.Tech’ initiative is a significant step toward ensuring that Deaf individuals receive timely and critical support during emergencies. As a data-driven organization, SIEHS is committed to leveraging AI and digital solutions to enhance the efficiency and inclusiveness of our humanitarian efforts. This project reflects our broader mission to create a more responsive and comprehensive pre-hospital care ecosystem.”

The event also included a panel discussion titled “Collaboration for Inclusion – Technology & Public-Private Partnerships in Disaster Management,” moderated by Ms. Azima Dhanjee, CEO of ConnectHear. Panelists included Dr. Mazhar Iqbal, Health Specialist  at UNICEF; Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed, CEO of HANDS; Mr. Mubashir Fida, Senior Manager, Public Relations  and Social Impact at Ufone 4G; and a PWD representative.

Arhum Ishtiaq, Co-Founder and CTO of ConnectHear, added his perspective on the technology driving the project: “At ConnectHear, we’ve always believed in the power of AI to break down communication barriers. We’re not just translating; we’re creating a system that can proactively deliver life-saving information in a format that is immediately understandable to the Deaf community. This project is a perfect example of how focused technological development, combined with strong partnerships, can create meaningful social impact.”

ConnectHear is introducing two key technologies to support the Deaf community during disasters. First, the Early Warning AI (EWAI) will build on ConnectHear’s sign language recognition system to automatically create life-saving video alerts. Second, ConnectHear’s virtual sign language interpretation platform will be improved to work reliably even in areas with poor connectivity. To expand its impact, Ufone 4G will share EWAI alerts through its network and remove data costs for the ConnectHear app. Meanwhile, HANDS will lead community outreach and training to ensure Deaf individuals and their families can fully use these tools. Starting with 1,000 beneficiaries, ConnectHear aims to scale this project further by partnering with more organizations. By combining AI innovation with a reliable platform, this initiative strengthens disaster preparedness for Pakistan’s Deaf community.

In Pakistan, where over 10 million people are Deaf or hard of hearing, the need for inclusive communication tools during emergencies is critical. Recent reports show that Pakistan is amongst the ten most affected countries by climate-related disasters, with over 30 million people impacted by severe floods in 2022 alone. During such disasters, communication networks are often disrupted, and vital information fails to reach those who need it most. This creates significant risks for Deaf individuals, who are frequently excluded from early warning systems due to communication barriers.

To address this, the Ufone 4G – ConnectHear partnership will focus on enhancing ConnectHear’s virtual interpretation services to function in low-connectivity environments and developing an AI-powered system that automatically generates early warning messages in sign language. These advancements will allow Deaf individuals to receive critical, real-time updates during emergencies, bridging the gap in disaster communication for this underserved segment of the population.

Ufone’s extensive telecom network, which serves over 25 million subscribers across Pakistan, will play a key role in disseminating the AI-generated sign language alerts, ensuring that early warning messages reach Deaf individuals nationwide. As part of this collaboration, Ufone 4G will also zero-rate the ConnectHear app on its network, meaning that users can access these essential services without needing a data package or mobile balance. This will break down financial and technical barriers, ensuring that even the most vulnerable individuals are not left behind during disasters.

During a signing ceremony, Syed Atif Raza, Group Chief Commercial Officer, PTCL & Ufone 4G, stated, “At Ufone 4G, we believe that access to timely and accurate information during emergencies is not just a service but a lifeline. Our collaboration with ConnectHear represents a bold step towards ensuring inclusivity in disaster response. By enabling AI-driven sign language alerts and providing zero-rated access to the ConnectHear app, we are removing barriers that often isolate vulnerable communities during critical times. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to leveraging technology for meaningful impact, creating a safer and more connected Pakistan for everyone.”

“ConnectHear has been at the forefront of assistive technology for Deaf individuals in the region for nearly a decade. This partnership with Ufone 4G, supported by GSMA, allows us to extend our reach and ensure that our AI-powered services remain accessible even during the most challenging circumstances,” said Arhum Ishtiaq, Co-Founder and CTO of ConnectHear. He further added, “By optimizing our services for low-bandwidth environments and generating automated sign language alerts, we are ensuring that Deaf communities receive the life-saving information they need in real time. We are thankful to our partners and look forward to a successful delivery of this first-of-its-kind project.”

Phillipe Bellordre, Head of Innovation Fund, GSMA, shared his thoughts, “The GSMA Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges is designed to spark transformative solutions that address real-world challenges, and this partnership is a shining example of that vision. By equipping Deaf individuals with tools to access life-saving information through AI-powered alerts and low-bandwidth innovations, this initiative demonstrates the power of technology in bridging critical gaps. At GSMA, we are proud to support a project that not only saves lives but also sets a precedent for inclusive disaster preparedness worldwide.”

The GSMA Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges plays a vital role in this project by providing the funding necessary to develop and deploy these innovative technologies. GSMA, which represents over 750 mobile operators and 400 companies globally, focuses on supporting mobile-based solutions that improve humanitarian outcomes for vulnerable populations. Their investment allows ConnectHear to optimize its AI platform to function effectively in low-bandwidth environments and create automated sign language alerts in collaboration with humanitarian agencies. This support aligns with GSMA’s broader mission to leverage mobile technologies for the greater good, particularly in times of crisis.

This initiative sets a new standard for inclusive disaster response, combining the power of AI, mobile technology, and cross-industry collaboration. The successful implementation of this project in Pakistan will serve as a model for other countries and humanitarian organizations looking to improve disaster preparedness for vulnerable populations.

About Ufone
Ufone is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL). Following PTCL’s privatization, Ufone became a part of the Etisalat group in 2006. The company commenced its operations on January 29, 2001.

About ConnectHear
ConnectHear is South Asia’s largest assistive technology startup, focused on delivering inclusive solutions for Deaf individuals through AI-powered sign language recognition and interpretation services. The company’s platform currently serves nearly 30,000 Deaf users and has facilitated over 1 million minutes of virtual interpretation. With more than 100 corporate partners, including banks, government departments, hospitals, and multinational corporations, ConnectHear is at the forefront of accessibility solutions in banking, healthcare, and soon in disaster response as well.

About GSMA
The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide and supports the mobile ecosystem’s role in driving positive societal impact. Through its Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges, GSMA backs mobile technology solutions that improve humanitarian outcomes for vulnerable and underserved populations, ensuring inclusive access to essential services during times of crisis.