Building a team on the other side of the world in less than two weeks sounds like an adventure, right? Imagine late-night calls, an internet connection teetering on the edge of a monsoon blackout, and navigating cultural nuances in a brand new environment.
But first—what is labeling, and why a labeling team?
At Smartex, “labeling” refers to the process of image classification, critical to training our machine learning models. These models rely on vast amounts of high-quality data. Alongside constantly evolving AI inputs from our global database, labeling involves manually confirming whether an image shows a defect and, if so, identifying its type. Labeling is highly important and technical; Smartex needed a dedicated team to meet our goal of achieving the world’s best defect-detection system.
We chose to build this team in Pakistan, and I volunteered to lead the project. What I thought would be a standard team setup quickly transformed into a profound experience in patience, empathy, and chai.
Why Pakistan?
Pakistan offers unique advantages, including:
Growing Tech Infrastructure
Emerging talent pool especially with connections with the textile industry
English proficiency
and more!
I stepped into the unknown, unsure what to expect. While I had travelled to other countries in the region, each place has its own unique character — and Pakistan is no exception.
The region often attracts global attention, but unfortunately, many media portrayals focus on negative narratives. I recognized that this perspective left out the richness and depth of Pakistan’s culture, and I was eager to delve deeper into the stories that rarely make headlines — after all, no country can be defined solely by its challenges.
The Arrival: Lahore, Chaos, and Curry for Breakfast
Stepping off the plane, I was hit by a wall of humidity. My mission? Train the new data-labeling team, hit image quotas, and strengthen the model as quickly as possible. But Lahore was ready to humble me first. Hundreds of people swarmed the terminal, wrapped in shalwar kameez of every color, creating a swirling mosaic of tradition under the 40ºC sun. Instantly, I felt like a stranger — all around me were unfamiliar sounds, a blend of Urdu words that formed a vibrant, musical hum. I couldn’t help but wonder if I was truly prepared for this challenge.
Amid the chaos, I finally spotted Haroon, the CEO of our partner company. A quiet software engineer by training, he led me to his car, casually asking, “Do you want English breakfast or Pakistani breakfast?” Since no one travels halfway across the world for baked beans and eggs, I had to say “Pakistani." Minutes later, we found ourselves at a roadside eatery, where I was handed a plate featuring a chicken leg alongside a steaming bowl of curry — at 9 a.m. Here I was, barely half an hour into my trip, sweating through my shirt, devouring spicy chicken for breakfast, and realizing — like all worthwhile adventures — this journey was already proving unpredictable.
The Task: Building a Team, One Image at a Time
The next morning, I met our initial crew: Nafar and Khurram, a diligent duo just getting acquainted with our labeling platform. But we were missing a crucial third team member, needed to meet our quotas and reach our training goals.
The following days consisted of meticulously reviewing label after label coupled with probably equally endless rounds of chai. Nafar and Khurram were making quick progress, but I can't shake the nagging feeling that we couldn’t operate at full capacity without a third member.
Then, on a Wednesday afternoon, halfway through my two-week journey, Kabir joined us. After a swift interview, he was ready to jump in the next day.
With his background in defect detection, I expect the transition to be seamless.
Although he had a background in defect detection, the transition wasn’t as seamless as I had hoped.
As I trained Kabir, it became clear that communication was a challenge. I pointed to an image and asked, “Kabir, what defect do you see here?” Every time, he responded, “Yes, sir.” I started to wonder — had I underestimated the complexity of this endeavor?
In that moment, I realized I was in over my head. Training individuals is one thing, but building a team 5,000 miles away in a different culture and language in a limited timespan added unexpected challenges. Kabir’s success was essential; without him, the project couldn’t succeed. I needed to find a solution.
Midweek Break: A 10-Hour Road Trip and a Shift in Perspective
Midway through the week, a national holiday prompted Haroon to suggest a trip to Nathia Gali, a picturesque mountain town he described as “just a short drive away.”
So there we were, four Pakistanis and one Portuguese, winding through mountain roads for nearly ten hours. I took in the sight of monkeys darting around each bend, while one of the guys in the back prayed to keep his breakfast down — a prayer that, unfortunately, went unanswered.
Upon reaching the mountains, a serene peace surrounded us. Birds chirped in the crisp air, the wind whispered through the trees, and for a moment, I was able to set aside my worries. Still, thoughts of Kabir lingered; our model’s accuracy relied on the labeling quality, and our progress was slow. I wanted him to feel as confident and capable as the other team members. It felt as though everything was on the line.
The road up the mountain & Nathia Gali by night
Turning Point: Kabir’s Breakthrough
The next morning, I arrived at the office and found Kabir deeply focused on his screen. At first, I thought, “Here we go again.” But then I noticed a difference — he was meticulously examining images, and something had clearly clicked. Defects that once baffled him now seemed obvious.
Somehow, Kabir had overcome the hurdles, and his newfound clarity unlocked the potential for success of our first labeling team.
With the entire team in sync, the atmosphere lightened, giving me a chance to explore Lahore.
A Cultural Dive: Lahore’s Heart, Curry for Days, and the Mini Eiffel Tower
My time in Lahore was a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and tastes. There was the iconic Badshahi Mosque, where live music flowed through its ancient arches like something out of a film. And Bahria Town, the gated district where I stayed, had its own Eiffel Tower — a playful symbol of Pakistan’s pride and ambition.
The "Eiffel Tower" in Bahria Town and an apartment in central Lahore
And of course, the food was unforgettable.
Curry and naan for breakfast? Check. Nihari, paratha, and lassi for lunch? Check. By day five, I was practically a spice warrior.
The Breathtaking North and a Promise to Return
Everyone I met spoke with pride about Pakistan’s northern regions, where some of the world’s tallest mountains stand. K2, known as the “Savage Mountain,” and the sprawling valleys of Hunza have a mystique that’s hard to capture in words. And while I couldn’t visit on this trip, I made a promise to myself to return and see it all in person.
Closing: Building with Heart, Not Just Numbers
Then, amidst all this cultural experience came the last day, and on Friday evening we all gathered in a small front room to take a final photo. As we stood there, arms linked, I sensed something was different in the room. After the photo I caught Kabir taking a selfie; his smile looked brighter. The way Nafar and Khurram spoke felt more animated, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.
Then it hit me—this wasn’t just another project or another feature. It was about people. As I stood there, watching Kabir and the rest of the team, I felt a shift. We weren’t merely building a team; we were nurturing something entirely new—something with its own heartbeat. These people shared the same desires we all do: a sense of fulfilment, purpose, and connection. To truly build a team, you have to understand this: it's not about deadlines or numbers; it's about people. It's about giving them a reason to care and a purpose to invest in.
