Web Desk: In a significant move for inclusivity, a group of deaf youth in Pakistan has launched a groundbreaking podcast series delivered entirely in Pakistani Sign Language (PSL).
In a historic moment for digital inclusion, a pioneering podcast series, created and hosted by deaf youth, has been launched in Pakistan. The six-episode series, which premiered on August 5, 2025, communicates exclusively through Pakistani Sign Language (PSL).
The initiative aims to amplify the voices of young people with hearing impairments, addressing critical subjects on a platform where they have long been underrepresented.
Produced in Lahore, the project is a collaborative effort led by the Institute for Social and Youth Development (ISYD), Y-PEER Pakistan, Disabilities2030, and several other partners. The series is a triumph of youth-led innovation, with deaf young people conceptualizing, developing, and hosting each episode.
This ensures the content is both authentic and culturally relevant, resonating deeply with its intended audience. The podcast courageously tackles topics rarely discussed within Pakistan’s deaf community, including mental and reproductive health, family planning, stigma, and gender-based violence.
What distinguishes this podcast is its direct approach to subjects that are often considered taboo, especially for people with disabilities. By delivering vital information through a visually rich, PSL-driven format, the series provides an accessible and engaging way for its audience to navigate complex issues like confronting gender-based violence and understanding reproductive health.
A project representative from ISYD highlighted the importance of the initiative. “This podcast is more than just a series; it is a platform for empowerment,” they said. “By having young deaf creators lead these conversations in their own language, we are not only breaking down communication barriers but also challenging societal taboos head-on and creating a space where they can see themselves reflected.”
This initiative arrives at a crucial time. With approximately 1.5 billion people globally living with hearing loss, accessible communication remains a major challenge, particularly in developing countries.
In a nation where Pakistani Sign Language is seldom featured in mainstream media, this podcast represents a vital and game-changing step toward offering the deaf community a platform where they can be seen and truly heard.
