Federal Minister for Information Technology & Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, chaired a high-level meeting to explore the use of AI-powered sign language solutions to improve communication accessibility for the Deaf community. The meeting was attended by Federal Secretary Information and Broadcasting Ms. Ambreen Jan, senior officials from MoIB, MoITT, Ignite, and representatives from the startup ecosystem. Two leading Pakistani startups—ConnectHear and DeafTawk, presented their innovative platforms offering real-time sign language interpretation, AI-driven communication tools, and offline public alert services.
This meeting was held as part of the ongoing work of the Sub-Committee on IT, recently formed under the Access to Media (Deaf) Persons Act, 2022 by the National Policy Board. Chaired by Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the committee is mandated to evaluate AI-based sign language practices and recommend accessible communication technologies for public media platforms.
During the discussion, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting proposed starting with a pilot project on PTV, selecting one daily news program for AI-based sign language interpretation. Ignite supported this phased approach and emphasized focusing on measurable outcomes to build confidence in the technology. It was decided that ConnectHear and DeafTawk would jointly develop a proof of concept, with coordination of MoITT. Ignite will also explore launching a national innovation challenge through incubation centers to attract further tech-driven solutions for sign language interpretation.
Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja appreciated the startups’ contributions and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive digital transformation. She highlighted the need to develop a comprehensive “super app” equipped with AI and voice command features to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities. The meeting concluded with consensus on enhanced inter-ministerial coordination and support for scalable, innovative tools to ensure digital inclusion across public services and national media.
