Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all stakeholders on Wednesday to join a unified national innovation ecosystem, stressing the need to develop indigenous robotics and autonomous systems knowledge and technological capabilities in Pakistan. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Indus RAS – Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026 in Islamabad, the prime minister stated that the country must embrace the technological revolution while ensuring its benefits reach every segment of society.
The event drew key military and federal leadership, including Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with federal ministers, industry experts, industrialists, entrepreneurs, foreign delegates, brands, companies, and students. During the ceremony, PM Shehbaz announced two landmark initiatives designed to shape the future of robotics and autonomous systems: the Spark and Elevate programme, aimed at transforming research into world-class technologies, globally competitive enterprises, and high-productive jobs, and the establishment of the Pakistan Venture Fund with an initial commitment of $20 million to catalyze investment in the nation’s technology ecosystem.
Inclusive Growth and Technological Self-Reliance
Emphasizing the broader economic and social implications of emerging technologies, PM Shehbaz stated that the robotics and autonomous systems revolution should not remain confined to advanced economies, large corporations, or major cities. According to the prime minister, the sector should act as a catalyst for inclusive growth by improving the lives of farmers, small businesses, women entrepreneurs, young innovators, and underserved communities across the country and the Global South.
Highlighting challenges faced by the agricultural community—such as water scarcity, rising input costs, fragmented land holdings, and climate unpredictability—the premier noted that emerging technologies could help agriculture witness a revolution. He also cited instances where technology provided access and saved lives in areas cut off by washed-out roads and bridges. To govern these advancements safely, PM Shehbaz stressed that clear regulatory and ethical frameworks must be established to ensure autonomous systems remain safe, secure, transparent, and beneficial to mankind.
Indigenous Defense Capabilities and Sector Growth
Turning to national security, the prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s remarkable progress in developing indigenous autonomous capabilities for defense and security. Under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, armed forces have adopted cutting-edge technologies, with the premier noting he witnessed 100% locally manufactured and assembled simulators and drones that have achieved over 60% indigenization. Recalling Marka-e-Haq, PM Shehbaz praised the armed forces, supported by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Naval Staff Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, for effectively guarding physical and cyber frontiers using advanced autonomous systems.
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja also addressed the gathering, stating that advanced technological self-reliance is a national decision and that Pakistan aims to own full value chains of robotics and artificial intelligence. Highlighting sector performance, Khawaja reported a 21% growth in ICT exports for the year, alongside improvements in global indexes, noting that the country moved up 14 ranks in the E-Governance Development Index and 27 ranks in the International Telecommunication Union’s ICT Development Index.
Outlook and Future Steps
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