Ufone 4G, ConnectHear partner to revolutionise disaster response for deaf individuals

Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, listed among top 10 most affected nations worldwide
An undated image of Ufone 4G logo. — Ufone/Canva
An undated image of Ufone 4G logo. — Ufone/Canva

To provide deaf individuals in Pakistan with real-time updates during emergencies, Ufone 4G has partnered with Connecthear, a South Asian social enterprise aiming to empower differently abled people.

With a population of over 10 million deaf individuals in the country, it is crucial to provide inclusive communication tools, especially during emergencies.

Mediums of communication during disasters often fail, leaving deaf individuals vulnerable to suffering due to their exclusion from early warning systems caused by communication barriers.

Notably, Pakistan is also highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, with recent reports indicating it is among the top 10 most affected nations worldwide.

AI-powered tools for the deaf community during disasters

Funded by the GSMA Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges, this initiative aims to utilise artificial intelligence (AI) technology to ensure deaf communities, especially those living in underprivileged areas, have access to information during floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.

Group Chief Commercial Officer at PTCL and Ufone 4G, Syed Atif Raza, noted the importance of accessible, timely information during emergencies, highlighting the collaboration as a step towards inclusivity in disaster response.

Meanwhile, ConnectHear co-founder Arhum Ishtiaq expressed gratitude for the opportunity to expand their reach and provide real-time, life-saving alerts.

This partnership will enhance ConnectHear's virtual interpretation services in rural areas, with the AI-powered system generating early warning messages in sign language.