Pakistan has taken a groundbreaking step toward digital inclusivity with the launch of AI-powered Early Warning System SUNO, developed by ConnectHear in collaboration with Ufone 4G (part of the PTCL Group). The system aims to revolutionize emergency communication by ensuring that Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals receive life-saving alerts in sign language during natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.
The AI-powered Early Warning System SUNO is the first of its kind in Pakistan and represents a major milestone in using technology for humanitarian purposes. Supported and funded by the GSMA Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation Fund, the initiative bridges a critical communication gap by providing accessible alerts through sign language videos sent directly to affected individuals.
Transforming Emergency Communication for the Deaf
For decades, Deaf individuals in Pakistan have been excluded from mainstream emergency alerts due to the lack of sign language communication in traditional warning systems. The AI-powered Early Warning System SUNO directly addresses this issue by delivering real-time, sign language-based alerts via Ufone’s WhatsApp bot, completely free of cost.
The platform uses AI-powered video generation technology developed by ConnectHear to instantly create sign language messages for different types of emergencies. These alerts are then distributed nationwide through Ufone 4G’s robust communication network, ensuring timely delivery to at-risk communities regardless of location or internet speed.
This collaboration demonstrates how artificial intelligence and telecommunication infrastructure can combine to save lives and promote digital inclusivity across Pakistan.
Ufone 4G and ConnectHear: A Partnership for Inclusion
During the official launch event in Islamabad, Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO of PTCL & Ufone 4G, emphasized the company’s mission to use technology for social good under its “Dil Se” platform. He stated, “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.”
This partnership highlights Ufone 4G’s commitment to accessibility and demonstrates how the private sector can play a vital role in supporting disability inclusion through innovation and investment in technology-driven solutions.
ConnectHear’s Vision for Accessible Communication
Azima Dhanjee, Co-founder of ConnectHear, shared an emotional perspective at the launch, explaining the inspiration behind the AI-powered Early Warning System SUNO. She said, “In an emergency, communication isn’t just important, it’s a matter of life and death. For far too long, Deaf individuals, including my own parents, have been cut off from urgent alerts. With this project, we’re changing that. Accessibility is not a privilege—it’s a human necessity.”
ConnectHear, already recognized as Pakistan’s leading social enterprise for disability inclusion, has been at the forefront of developing digital accessibility tools. Through SUNO, the organization continues to push boundaries by proving that AI can be a force for inclusion rather than exclusion.
Global Support from GSMA Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation Fund
The AI-powered Early Warning System SUNO is funded through the GSMA Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges, supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Kimberly Brown, Head of Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation at GSMA, praised the project’s potential to set new global standards for inclusive emergency communication. She said, “Inclusive innovation ensures that mobile technology delivers meaningful impact where it’s needed most. 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.”
A Step Toward Inclusive Disaster Preparedness
Pakistan has faced repeated natural disasters in recent years, including devastating floods that affected over 33 million people in 2022, according to official government data. During such crises, timely communication can mean the difference between life and death.
With the introduction of the AI-powered Early Warning System SUNO, Pakistan has made a decisive move toward ensuring equal access to critical information for every citizen. By combining AI, telecommunications, and sign language accessibility, the initiative exemplifies how technology can be harnessed to build a more inclusive and disaster-resilient society.
The Future of Accessibility in Pakistan
The successful rollout of AI-powered Early Warning System SUNO opens new opportunities for similar projects targeting other marginalized groups. It sets a precedent for how AI and mobile technology can be used to solve social challenges in developing countries.
Moving forward, ConnectHear and Ufone 4G plan to expand the platform’s reach and improve AI capabilities to support regional sign languages and offline accessibility. This continued collaboration promises to shape Pakistan’s future as a global leader in inclusive innovation.
The launch of AI-powered Early Warning System SUNO marks a defining moment in Pakistan’s journey toward inclusive technology. With ConnectHear’s innovation, Ufone 4G’s infrastructure, and GSMA’s international support, the project ensures that no one is left behind during emergencies—not even those who cannot hear.
By turning artificial intelligence into a tool for empathy and empowerment, SUNO stands as a model for how technology can protect, connect, and uplift communities in need.
