Qalb brings Urdu-language AI to Pakistan

Pakistan has launched its own Urdu-focused generative AI model, Qalb, trained on 1.97 billion tokens and evaluated across more than seven international benchmarking frameworks. The developers say the model outperforms existing Urdu-language systems on key real-world performance indicators.

With Urdu spoken by over 230 million people worldwide, Qalb aims to expand access to advanced AI tools in Pakistan’s national language. The model is designed to support local businesses, startups, education platforms, digital services, and voice-based AI agents.

Qalb was developed by a small team led by Taimoor Hassan, a serial entrepreneur who has launched and exited multiple startups and previously won the Microsoft Cup. He completed his undergraduate studies in computer science in Pakistan and is currently pursuing postgraduate education in the United States.

‘I had the opportunity to contribute in a small way to a much bigger mission for the country,’ Hassan said, noting that the project was built with his former university teammates Jawad Ahmed and Muhammad Awais. The group plans to continue refining localised AI models for specific industries.

The launch of Qalb highlights how smaller teams can develop advanced AI tools outside major technology hubs. Supporters say Urdu-first models could help drive innovation across Pakistan’s digital economy.

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