Latest news with #ConnectHear
Express Tribune
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Bilal Maqsood objects to toxic paint on living statues
Strings alum Bilal Maqsood took to Instagram on Saturday to post a photo of a young living statue performer, calling attention to the hazards of the craft. Addressing the Health Ministry in his caption, Bilal wrote, "You'll find so many kids like this on Khayaban-e-Ittehad and Sea View - their faces painted with shiny silver or gold paint, performing on the streets in this heat." In the photo posted by the singer, the child performer was dressed and painted head-to-toe in gold, sticking out a peace sign to pose for the capture. "What's heartbreaking is that the paint is often made from aluminum powder or lead-based chemicals, which are extremely harmful. Prolonged exposure, especially under the sun, can cause serious skin issues and even lead to skin cancer," Bilal continued. "Something needs to be done. Please regulate this. Educate and protect these children before it's too late," he added. "Don't know who to tag. Any help would be appreciated." As of late, living statue performers – especially children – have been cropping up all over Karachi along traffic signals and footpaths. Bilal's showbiz peers seem to realise this too, as some of them shared his note to their followers. Actors Ayeza Khan and Naveed Raza were among those who elevated the message on Instagram Stories. Netizens in the comments section also validated the Sajni singer's plea. "I honestly have been thinking about this for so long! Finally somebody bought it up!" a user wrote, while another said, "Such a valuable share. We see them every day and just pass by. Thank you for using your platform to raise awareness. I hope the good voices are heard and these little ones are off the street Insha Allah." Other users urged the authorities to act, given how rapidly the issue has been spreading. "Finally someone with a platform has brought this to light. The number of such poor and desperate children has increased in the twin cities as well. It is so concerning. They need to spread awareness and pass some sort of law to discourage acts that are so harmful to their health," one user wrote. Bilal's post hardly comes as a surprise for those closely following his recent endeavour. Earlier this year, he parterned with ConnectHear to integrate Pakistan Sign Language interpretation into Pakkay Dost – his puppet show for kids. He said in a statement, "Our mission is to bring joy, learning, and cultural enrichment, and create a brighter childhood for all children. This collaboration is a significant step towards making Pakkay Dost truly inclusive and ensuring that every child can experience the magic of our show."
Express Tribune
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Bilal Maqsood's kids' show adopts sign language
Pakkay Dost, the beloved children's puppet show renowned for its captivating storytelling and emphasis on the Urdu language, is thrilled to announce their partnership with ConnectHear, as stated by their press release. This collaboration will make Pakkay Dost accessible to the hearing-impaired community through the integration of sign language interpretation. Created by renowned musician Bilal Maqsood, Pakkay Dost has become a cornerstone of quality children's entertainment in Pakistan. The show's vibrant visuals and engaging narratives have garnered widespread acclaim, fostering a love for Urdu and enriching the lives of countless young viewers. ConnectHear, South Asia's leading pioneer in accessibility and inclusion for all persons with disabilities, will play a pivotal role in this initiative. By integrating Pakistan Sign Language interpretation into Pakkay Dost, ConnectHear is not only making the show accessible to Deaf children but also setting an example for inclusive entertainment in Pakistan. Their team of trained interpreters and accessibility experts will integrate sign language seamlessly, ensuring that every scene is a joyful and meaningful experience for all children, Deaf or otherwise. "We are very excited to partner with ConnectHear," said Maqsood. "Our mission is to bring joy, learning and cultural enrichment and create a brighter childhood for all children. This collaboration is a significant step towards making Pakkay Dost truly inclusive and ensuring that every child can experience the magic of our show." "At ConnectHear, we believe in creating a world where no one is left behind," said Arhum Ishtiaq, CTO and Co-Founder, ConnectHear. "This alliance with Pakkay Dost allows us to bridge the gap in children's entertainment and education for the Deaf community. We're not just adding sign language to the showwe're adding joy, imagination, and inclusion to every Deaf child's life." This partnership marks a significant milestone for both Pakkay Dost and ConnectHear. Together, they are committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to experience the joy of learning and the magic of storytelling. Pakkay Dost is a vibrant and entertaining puppet show created by Maqsood, a renowned musician and former member of the iconic band Strings. The show captivates young minds with playful storytelling and colourful visuals, fostering a love for the Urdu language while imparting valuable life lessons. The program has garnered acclaim from parents, educators, and institutions alike. ConnectHear is South Asia's leading pioneer in inclusion, committed to bridging accessibility gaps through cutting-edge technology. With a mission to empower individuals and promote inclusivity, ConnectHear offers a comprehensive range of services, including virtual sign language interpretation, sensitivity training, inclusive job placements, and awareness initiatives. As of 2024, ConnectHear has connected 1,700 persons with disabilities (PWDs) with inclusive employers, conducted over 60 sensitivity training sessions, and trained more than 2,200 employees.
Express Tribune
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Bilal Maqsood's beloved Urdu kids' show is now available in Pakistan Sign Language
Pakkay Dost , the beloved children's puppet show renowned for its captivating storytelling and emphasis on the Urdu language, is thrilled to announce their partnership with ConnectHear, as stated in their press release. This collaboration will make Pakkay Dost accessible to the hearing-impaired community through the integration of sign language interpretation. Created by renowned musician Bilal Maqsood, Pakkay Dost has become a cornerstone of quality children's entertainment in Pakistan. The show's vibrant visuals and engaging narratives have garnered widespread acclaim, fostering a love for Urdu and enriching the lives of countless young viewers. ConnectHear, South Asia's leading pioneer in accessibility and inclusion for all persons with disabilities, will play a pivotal role in this initiative. By integrating Pakistan Sign Language interpretation into Pakkay Dost , ConnectHear is not only making the show accessible to Deaf children but also setting an example for inclusive entertainment in Pakistan. Their team of trained interpreters and accessibility experts will integrate sign language seamlessly, ensuring that every scene is a joyful and meaningful experience for all children, Deaf or otherwise. "We are very excited to partner with ConnectHear," said Maqsood. "Our mission is to bring joy, learning and cultural enrichment and create a brighter childhood for all children. This collaboration is a significant step towards making Pakkay Dost truly inclusive and ensuring that every child can experience the magic of our show." 'At ConnectHear, we believe in creating a world where no one is left behind,' said Arhum Ishtiaq, CTO and Co-Founder, ConnectHear. 'This alliance with Pakkay Dost allows us to bridge the gap in children's entertainment and education for the Deaf community. We're not just adding sign language to the show—we're adding joy, imagination, and inclusion to every Deaf child's life.' This partnership marks a significant milestone for both Pakkay Dost and ConnectHear. Together, they are committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to experience the joy of learning and the magic of storytelling. About Pakkay Dost Pakkay Dost is a vibrant and entertaining puppet show created by Bilal Maqsood, a renowned musician and former member of the iconic band Strings. The show captivates young minds with playful storytelling and colourful visuals, fostering a love for the Urdu language while imparting valuable life lessons. This makes it an enjoyable experience for children and a meaningful one for parents who want to instil cultural and linguistic pride in their children. Each episode offers laughter, lessons, and an opportunity for children to connect with their roots. The program has garnered acclaim from parents, educators, and institutions alike. About ConnectHear ConnectHear is South Asia's leading pioneer in inclusion, committed to bridging accessibility gaps through cutting-edge technology. With a mission to empower individuals and promote inclusivity, ConnectHear offers a comprehensive range of services, including virtual sign language interpretation, sensitivity training, inclusive job placements, and awareness initiatives. By harnessing technology to create an equitable society, ConnectHear continues to set new benchmarks for accessibility, fostering connections that transcend barriers. As of 2024, ConnectHear has connected 1,700 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) with inclusive employers, conducted over 60 sensitivity training sessions, and trained more than 2,200 employees. The ConnectHear application has reached over 30,000 users and facilitated more than 1 million minutes of sign language interpretation from over 100 public and private organisations to enhance accessibility and inclusion. Additionally, ConnectHear has partnered with over 10 corporate organisations and Deaf schools, further advancing its mission to create a more inclusive world. Have something to add? Share it in the comments below.
