Pakistan Introduces Zahanat AI Its First Local AI Chatbot

Pakistan has taken a significant step in artificial intelligence with the beta launch of Zahanat AI, the country’s first locally developed AI chatbot. Founded by Mehwish Salman Ali, co-founder and CEO of Data Vault and Zahanat AI, this platform is designed to address Pakistan’s unique challenges while ensuring cultural relevance and ethical AI practices.

Unlike global AI models that rely on foreign data centers, Zahanat AI operates entirely from a dedicated data center in Karachi, established in 2022. This ensures that all processing and data storage remain within Pakistan, enhancing security and compliance with local needs. The infrastructure is equipped with high-speed internet connectivity and robust DDoS protection, providing a stable and secure environment for AI operations.

A Cost-Effective Approach to AI Development

One of the most intriguing aspects of Zahanat AI is its resourceful use of GPU technology. The system employs a mix of Nvidia GPUs and other hardware, initially leveraging used gaming GPUs to build computational power at a lower cost. While global AI models like DeepSeek required an investment of $5 million, Zahanat AI’s development was significantly more cost-efficient, though exact figures remain undisclosed.

“Our goal was to create an AI that truly understands Pakistan’s specific needs,” said Mehwish Salman Ali. “With 2 billion parameters trained entirely within Pakistan, Zahanat AI ensures cultural awareness and contextual accuracy in its responses.”

Ethical AI with a Local Focus

One of Zahanat AI’s defining features is its emphasis on responsible and ethical AI development. The model is designed to censor sensitive topics and avoid discussions about specific individuals, aligning with Pakistan’s socio-cultural landscape.

Currently, the beta version is available only through an invite system (chat.zahanat.ai) , requiring users to provide details such as their email, profession, work email, and social media accounts. This selective approach helps the development team gather valuable feedback before rolling out the platform to the general public.

Future Roadmap: Multilingual Support & Voice Input

Zahanat AI’s initial Z1 model is just the beginning. The team has ambitious plans for future iterations, with Z2 set to introduce multilingual support for all languages spoken in Pakistan. Additionally, upcoming versions will incorporate voice input, making the chatbot even more accessible to a wider audience.

With the rise of AI-driven solutions across the globe, Pakistan’s homegrown Zahanat AI represents a major leap in local AI innovation, potentially transforming sectors such as education, healthcare, business, and governance.