Pakistan has launched its first artificial intelligence-powered chatbot, NOOR AI, designed specifically to assist persons with disabilities in accessing crucial information and services. The launch took place at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), where representatives from government institutions, NGOs, and academia gathered to witness the unveiling of a tool aimed at promoting inclusion and empowerment through technology.
Developed with the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), NACTA, and the European Union (EU), NOOR AI represents a milestone in the country’s digital accessibility efforts. This multilingual chatbot is equipped to provide confidential support across a range of areas including disability rights, education pathways, job opportunities, legal assistance, and protection from gender-based violence.
The tool goes beyond basic service access by also promoting peacebuilding efforts. It raises awareness on preventing violent extremism (PVE), enabling communities to better understand and counter harmful ideologies through accessible digital engagement. NOOR AI’s design emphasizes user-friendly interactions for women and youth with disabilities, ensuring they are not left behind in digital transformation efforts.
Muhammad Atif Sheikh, Executive Director of Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP), highlighted how the chatbot is a practical solution for empowering marginalized groups in underserved regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He emphasized that NOOR AI provides a much-needed platform where individuals facing social, economic, and physical barriers can receive timely, reliable support. “NOOR AI is not just a chatbot: it’s a tool for peace, support, and digital inclusion,” Sheikh said.
The initiative also reflects broader efforts to create spaces where persons with disabilities are treated as active contributors rather than passive recipients. Abia Akram, Director of Programmes at STEP, reinforced the need for more disability-inclusive policies that elevate such individuals into leadership roles. She pointed out that technological interventions like NOOR AI have the potential to change the narrative by enabling persons with disabilities to engage with society on their own terms.
The collaboration among local institutions, international organizations, and civil society groups demonstrates a shared commitment to digital inclusion. By bridging information gaps and removing access barriers, NOOR AI aims to support a more inclusive society where the rights and contributions of persons with disabilities are fully recognized.
This chatbot is part of a growing trend of using AI-driven tools to enhance service delivery in critical areas. Its development and launch underline the value of combining artificial intelligence with inclusive policy frameworks to ensure no one is excluded from progress in the digital age.
