Karachi, April 15, 2026 — Assistive technology startup ConnectHear has announced the nationwide rollout of its Sign Language AI initiative, SUNO, in collaboration with GSMA and Ufone, marking a major step toward inclusive communication for Pakistan’s Deaf community.
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The announcement was made during an event titled “National Deployment of Sign Language AI for Public Broadcast” held at the Islamabad Serena Hotel, bringing together stakeholders from government, telecom, UN agencies, and humanitarian organizations.
The event also marked the conclusion of ConnectHear’s GSMA-supported SUNO pilot project, which delivered critical emergency information in sign language to nearly 2,000 beneficiaries across more than 10 disaster-affected districts in Sindh. The initiative demonstrated the effectiveness of AI-powered communication, even in low-bandwidth environments.
With its integration into ConnectHear’s virtual interpretation app, SUNO is now set to expand its reach to over 50,000 users nationwide. The move is expected to significantly improve access to early warning systems and disaster communication for people with hearing impairments.
Officials and partners highlighted the importance of scaling inclusive technologies. British High Commissioner Jane Marriott termed SUNO a “powerful example” of how AI-driven solutions can enhance disaster preparedness, while GSMA representatives emphasized the project’s scalability and global relevance.
Ufone’s leadership reiterated the role of telecom providers in promoting accessibility, noting that technology must go beyond connectivity to ensure inclusion for underserved communities.
The event featured live demonstrations of AI-powered sign language broadcasts and discussions on integrating such solutions into national communication systems, ensuring that Deaf communities are not excluded during emergencies.
