ISLAMABAD, OCT 1 /DNA/ – In a landmark step toward building a more inclusive Pakistan, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, in collaboration with the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), and UNICEF Pakistan convened a National Consultation in Islamabad to develop a unified framework for the standardization of Pakistan Sign Language (PSL).This important gathering is part of the UN Country Team’s Disability Inclusion Strategy and aims to create a national roadmap for improving communication access for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals across the country.
The multi-stakeholder consultation brought together key voices from government bodies, academia, the Deaf community, and civil society to identify priority actions for curriculum development, interpreter training and certification, and the creation of digital PSL resources. It also focused on formulating a National Action Plan for PSL standardization, with clearly defined timelines, responsibilities, and mechanisms for monitoring progress.
The event was attended by several distinguished figures including Maj Gen Shahid Mahmood Kayani HI (M) (Retd), Rector NUML; Minister of State for MoFE&PT, Ms Wajeeha Qamar; Capt. Asif Iqbal, Director General, Special Education, Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training; Sharmeela Rasool, Deputy Representative, UNICEF Pakistan; Afke Bootsman, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office; and Irfan Mumtaz, Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Association of the Deaf, among others.
In his address, Rector NUML Maj Gen Shahid Mahmood Kayani emphasized the urgency of closing Pakistan’s long-standing inclusivity gap by introducing a nationally ratified Pakistan Sign Language standard. He underlined that NUML, as an institution with expertise in language research and emerging technologies, is well positioned to serve as a neutral academic host for this initiative. He added that NUML has the capacity and credibility to bring together Deaf community representatives, government bodies, researchers, and the private sector to work toward a common goal.
Rector NUML outlined the university’s vision to establish a Standard Pakistan Sign Language (S-PSL), supported by a comprehensive open-access PSL Dictionary comprising over 10,000 entries. This dictionary would be enriched with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)-enabled visual resources to ensure accessibility for Deaf users across educational, healthcare, and public service platforms. He stressed that this would allow Deaf Pakistanis to engage fully in society, access learning and essential services, and see their rights and dignity recognized.
NUML announced plans to set up a dedicated PSL project office equipped with a professional sign capture studio and staffed with Deaf liaison officers. The university will also work closely with key partners such as the Pakistan Association of the Deaf, Deaf Reach, and provincial special education departments to ensure the work reflects authentic community needs and input.
All participants in the consultation reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively to develop a national PSL standard that meets global best practices and ensures no Deaf Pakistani is left behind.
This initiative represents a vital step forward in realizing Pakistan’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and promoting inclusive access to education, communication, and public services for the Deaf community. As Rector Kayani concluded, “The time for action is now.”
