Jazz, Pakistan’s leading digital operator, has partnered with the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and the National Information Technology Board (NITB) to develop the country’s first indigenous large language model (LLM). This groundbreaking initiative aims to support under-resourced regional languages, promoting digital inclusivity in AI technologies.
The LLM will primarily focus on Urdu, with datasets for Pashto and Punjabi also included. This will help bridge the AI language gap that currently limits access to advanced AI tools for speakers of these languages.
“Through this partnership with NUST and NITB, we can help close the digital divide, empowering our teachers, doctors, and farmers by providing them with tools and information in their native languages,” said Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz.
This collaboration is expected to drive innovation in AI applications across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and agriculture. By providing AI tools in native languages, the initiative aims to empower individuals, businesses, and organizations, fostering greater accessibility and productivity.
The MoU, effective for five years, establishes a framework for continuous innovation and collaboration in the development of this LLM. This reflects a long-term commitment to promoting AI inclusivity and ensuring that the benefits of AI technology are accessible to all communities in Pakistan.
VEON, Jazz’s parent company, is also actively involved in similar initiatives in other regions. Earlier this year, QazCode, the software arm of VEON’s Beeline Kazakhstan, partnered with the GSMA and the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre to enhance AI applications for Kazakh and Catalan.
“This collaboration is a national cause that will drive exponential progress in digital inclusion,” added Ibrahim. “In the coming months, we aim to have a functional model that will lay the foundation for transformative AI framework in Pakistan.”
This initiative highlights the importance of developing AI solutions that cater to the linguistic diversity of communities. By creating an LLM for regional languages, Jazz is playing a crucial role in promoting digital inclusivity and ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to all.