The Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan’s progress in indigenous robotics, AI, and autonomous systems while announcing new initiatives to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem.
PM Shehbaz Calls Indigenous Autonomous Capabilities Key to National Defence
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening indigenous robotics and autonomous technologies, describing the country’s progress in locally developed defence capabilities as an integral part of national security and technological advancement.
Speaking at the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Expo 2026 in Islamabad, the Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan has made significant strides in developing homegrown autonomous technologies for defence and security. He noted that investing in local innovation is essential for building technological self-reliance and enhancing the country’s strategic capabilities.
Beyond defence applications, the Prime Minister stressed that robotics and artificial intelligence should also serve civilian needs. He highlighted the potential of autonomous systems to transform agriculture, healthcare, disaster management, manufacturing, logistics, education, and public services, making advanced technologies more accessible across Pakistan.
To strengthen Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem, the government announced two major initiatives: the Spark and Elevate Programme, designed to convert research into globally competitive technologies and high-value enterprises, and the Pakistan Venture Fund, which will begin with an initial government commitment of $20 million to support technology startups and innovation-driven businesses.
The Prime Minister also called for stronger collaboration among academia, industry, government institutions, and the private sector to accelerate research and commercialization of emerging technologies. He stressed that ethical and transparent regulatory frameworks would be essential to ensure artificial intelligence and autonomous systems are developed responsibly and used for the benefit of society.
Industry experts view the Indus RAS Expo as an important platform for showcasing Pakistan’s growing capabilities in robotics, AI, autonomous systems, and advanced engineering. The event reflects the country’s broader ambition to strengthen indigenous innovation while positioning itself as a regional hub for emerging technologies and high-tech manufacturing.
