By Zainab Shafiq 
ConnectHear, a Pakistani tech startup, is one of the groundbreaking initiatives for the hearing-impaired. It has designed a mobile application to provide vital emergency messages during floods earthquakes and other natural disasters.
This innovation caters to the urgent needs of Pakistan, where more than 10 million people have hearing impairments and were, for years, denied life-saving information in emergencies. The 2022 floods, which rendered over 30 million people homeless, underscored the imperative of such solutions.
ConnectHear’s platform stands out for its adaptability in areas with limited internet access. By partnering with major telecom providers like PTCL and Ufone, the app allows users to access vital alerts without consuming data.
One of its major features is the real-time video call system, which connects users with sign language interpreters. With this, communication during any emergency will be timely enough. ConnectHear further developed tools to help NGOs and humanitarian agencies create videos in sign language for an early warning system. These would be distributed through Ufone networks free of cost to registered subscribers.
Co-founder Arhum Ishtiaq spoke about the collaborative nature of the project. ConnectHear is working with HANDS Pakistan and GSMA as partners to expand its reach. He noted that the technology generates and distributes disaster-related alerts, thus making sure they reach the hearing-impaired population efficiently.
To overcome the challenge of low digital literacy or even limited access to smartphones, ConnectHear has designed a strategic training program. HANDS Pakistan staff members will be trained to relay information directly to those who lack digital tools, thus bridging the gap for vulnerable individuals.
Through technology and empathy, ConnectHear is setting an example for inclusive disaster management, ensuring no one is left behind in times of crisis.
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