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September 24, 2026
Zong and ConnectHear debut SILA, an AI-powered Pakistan Sign Language system in CSCs, enabling independent, real-time access for Deaf customers.
Zong has teamed up with accessibility startup ConnectHear to roll out an AI-powered Pakistan Sign Language (PSL) system across its customer service centers in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. Launched on September 23, 2026—the International Day of Sign Languages—the initiative uses ConnectHear’s SILA platform to enable real-time sign-language interactions for Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers.
SILA blends AI-driven PSL interpretation with on-demand access to professionally trained human interpreters when nuanced judgement or additional context is needed. The system is designed to help customers independently handle routine tasks such as SIM services, billing queries and account support, reducing reliance on family members or third-party interpreters.
The launch event at Zong’s Islamabad Customer Service Center drew senior officials from the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication (MoITT), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and GSMA. Attendees included Muhammad Jahanzeb Rahim (Member Telecom, MoITT), PTA’s Rabeeya Parvez and Malahat Obaid, and GSMA’s Zohaib Jawed, underscoring regulatory and industry backing for inclusive telecom services.
Nabila Yazdani, Zong’s Head of Strategy and company spokesperson, framed the move as part of Zong’s shift from pure connectivity to technology-enabled inclusion. “A truly digital Pakistan is one where technology enables everyone to participate,” she said, adding that SILA makes accessibility “an integral part of how we design and deliver our services.”
ConnectHear co-founder and CEO Azima Dhanjee highlighted the personal stakes behind the technology. “Through SILA, Deaf customers can walk into these spaces and be independently facilitated through sign language interpretation, without relying on someone else to communicate for them,” she said, noting her own experience growing up with Deaf parents.
Company statements describe SILA as a patent-pending conversational sign-language AI agent built specifically for Pakistan Sign Language. The rollout marks phase one of a broader accessibility roadmap, with Zong planning to expand sign-language support across more of its digital ecosystem over time.
