ConnectHear Unveils AI-Powered Disaster Response Initiative for Pakistan’s Deaf Community
ISLAMABAD: ConnectHear, a pioneering assistive technology startup in South Asia, widely recognized for its advanced use of AI in accessibility solutions, officially introduced its groundbreaking initiative, ‘AI for Inclusive Disaster Response,’ at the Access.Ability.Tech. event held in Karachi today. This project, backed by the GSMA Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges and in collaboration with HANDS and Ufone 4G, harnesses ConnectHear’s state-of-the-art AI technology and virtual interpretation platform to ensure that Pakistan’s Deaf community receives vital information and communication support during emergencies.
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Pakistan, ranked among the ten nations most vulnerable to climate-related disasters, faces considerable obstacles in providing timely emergency communication, especially for its 10 million+ citizens with hearing impairments. The event featured key speeches that underscored the shared duty of both the public and private sectors in developing an accessible emergency response framework.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Kamran Akbar, Senior Social Development Specialist at the World Bank, highlighted the critical need for inclusivity in crisis management, stating, “Inclusive disaster response is not just an obligation but a responsibility. Using AI to bridge communication gaps for Persons with Disabilities is a transformative step toward fairer crisis management. ConnectHear’s initiative sets a new benchmark for accessible emergency preparedness in Pakistan.”
Joining as the Guest of Honour, Brigadier Tarique Quadir Lakhair, CEO of SIEHS-1122, emphasized the vital role of emergency response services. He remarked, “AI-driven innovation is reshaping emergency response, making it more inclusive for Persons with Disabilities. The ‘Access.Ability.Tech’ initiative is a major stride toward ensuring that Deaf individuals receive timely and essential support during crises. As a data-driven organization, SIEHS is committed to using AI and digital solutions to boost both the efficiency and inclusiveness of our humanitarian efforts. This project aligns with our larger goal of establishing a more responsive and holistic pre-hospital care system.”
The event also featured a panel discussion titled “Collaboration for Inclusion – Technology & Public-Private Partnerships in Disaster Management,” moderated by Ms. Azima Dhanjee, CEO of ConnectHear. The 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 representative from the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) community.
Arhum Ishtiaq, Co-Founder and CTO of ConnectHear, elaborated on the technological advancements driving the initiative: “At ConnectHear, we have always believed in AI’s ability to eliminate communication barriers. Our goal is not just translation; we are building a system that can actively deliver life-saving information in a format that is instantly accessible to the Deaf community. This project is a prime example of how focused technological progress, coupled with strong partnerships, can lead to substantial social change.”
ConnectHear is introducing two key technologies to aid the Deaf community during disasters. The Early Warning AI (EWAI), based on ConnectHear’s sign language recognition system, will generate automated video alerts with crucial emergency information. Additionally, the virtual sign language interpretation platform will be enhanced to function reliably even in areas with low connectivity.
To amplify its reach, Ufone 4G will distribute EWAI alerts via its network and eliminate data charges for the ConnectHear app. Meanwhile, HANDS will spearhead community outreach and training, ensuring that Deaf individuals and their families can effectively utilize these tools. Starting with 1,000 beneficiaries, ConnectHear plans to expand the project by forming partnerships with additional organizations. By combining AI-driven solutions with a dependable platform, this initiative reinforces disaster preparedness for Pakistan’s Deaf community.
