PM Shehbaz Calls for National Innovation Ecosystem to Advance Indigenous Robotics Technology
PM Shehbaz Calls for National Innovation Ecosystem to Advance Indigenous Robotics Technology
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has called for the creation of a unified national innovation ecosystem to accelerate the development of indigenous robotics and autonomous systems, urging universities, research centres, startups, industries and farmers to work together to strengthen Pakistan’s technological future.
Addressing the inaugural session of the Indus RAS – Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026 in Islamabad, the Prime Minister said Pakistan must embrace the global technological revolution while ensuring its benefits reach every segment of society through locally developed knowledge and innovation.
He announced two major initiatives to boost the country’s technology sector: the Spark and Elevate Programme to transform research into globally competitive technologies and businesses, and the Pakistan Venture Fund, with an initial government commitment of US$20 million to support technology startups and innovation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized the need for ethical and regulatory frameworks to ensure autonomous systems remain safe, transparent and beneficial for humanity. He described the expo as a milestone in Pakistan’s journey towards becoming a leader in robotics, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Highlighting achievements in defence technology, the Prime Minister said Pakistan has made significant progress in indigenous autonomous capabilities. He noted that locally manufactured military simulators are now produced entirely in Pakistan, while drones have achieved more than 60 percent indigenization. He praised the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, stating that advanced autonomous systems played a vital role during Marqa-e-Haq, strengthening both Pakistan’s physical and cyber defence capabilities.
The event was attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, foreign delegates, technology experts, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, students and representatives of national and international technology companies.
IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Pakistan is committed to becoming a global technology hub, noting that ICT exports increased by nearly 21 percent, while the country improved by 14 places in the UN E-Government Development Index and 27 places in the ITU ICT Development Index. She said the government’s Digital Nation Pakistan vision is driving innovation, investment and high-value employment across the country.
