Brussels/Islamabad, (Unib Rashid) – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called for the creation of a unified national innovation ecosystem to accelerate the development of indigenous robotics and autonomous technologies, while announcing the launch of the Spark and Elevate Programme and a $20 million Pakistan Venture Fund to support the country’s technology sector.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Indus RAS – Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026, the Prime Minister said Pakistan must embrace the global technological revolution and ensure its benefits reach every segment of society through home-grown innovation and research.

He urged universities, research and development centres, startups, industries and the agricultural sector to work together as part of a single national innovation ecosystem, stressing that the knowledge and technologies driving Pakistan’s future should be developed, owned and continuously advanced within the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledges self-reliance in defense technology, announces robotics program and $20 million venture fund. pic.twitter.com/ttAogAgPTf

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The Prime Minister said robotics and autonomous systems should not remain confined to advanced economies, multinational corporations or major urban centres. Instead, he said, these technologies should drive inclusive economic growth by improving the livelihoods of farmers, empowering small businesses, supporting women entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for young innovators and benefiting underserved communities.

Highlighting the rapid advancement of emerging technologies, Shehbaz Sharif stressed the importance of establishing clear regulatory and ethical frameworks to ensure autonomous systems are safe, secure, transparent and used solely for the benefit of humanity.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to innovation-led development, the Prime Minister announced two major initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.

The Spark and Elevate Programme will support research, commercialisation and the development of globally competitive technologies, enterprises and high-value employment opportunities. He also announced the establishment of the Pakistan Venture Fund, with an initial government commitment of $20 million, to encourage investment in technology startups and innovation-driven businesses.

Describing the country’s technological journey as a national mission, the Prime Minister said Pakistan’s future in robotics and autonomous systems was not merely about machines but about unlocking the potential of nearly 250 million resilient citizens determined to build a stronger, more prosperous nation.

He said Pakistan stood at a historic turning point and would shape its own future through innovation, entrepreneurship, technological self-reliance and sustained hard work.

Calling the Indus RAS Expo 2026 a landmark initiative, Shehbaz Sharif said it reflected Pakistan’s determination to become a leading player in technologies that will define the 21st century. He noted that the event built upon the momentum created by the Indus AI Summit held earlier this year, bringing together government institutions, technology leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions.

The Prime Minister said advances in robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems could significantly enhance agricultural productivity, improve disaster response capabilities, strengthen public services and boost national security.

Referring to Pakistan’s defence sector, he said the country had made remarkable progress in developing indigenous autonomous capabilities. He noted that locally manufactured military simulators and drones demonstrated the country’s growing technological expertise, with drone production now exceeding 60 per cent indigenous content.

He praised the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, for promoting advanced technologies within the armed forces. He said Pakistan’s military had effectively employed autonomous systems and cyber capabilities during Operation Marqa-e-Haq, proving the country’s technological competence alongside its determination to safeguard national sovereignty.

The Prime Minister added that these indigenous defence technologies would further strengthen Pakistan’s security architecture and improve preparedness against emerging and future threats.

The ceremony was attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, senior government officials, technology experts, industrialists, entrepreneurs, international delegates, representatives of leading technology companies and students.

Earlier, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Pakistan was committed to developing complete value chains in robotics and artificial intelligence, describing technological self-reliance as a national priority.

She said the government’s Digital Nation Pakistan initiative had positioned technology as a key driver of economic growth, employment and global competitiveness. Highlighting recent progress, she said Pakistan’s ICT exports had increased by nearly 21 per cent, while the country had improved by 14 places in the UN E-Government Development Index and 27 places in the International Telecommunication Union’s ICT Development Index, reflecting the growing strength of Pakistan’s digital economy.