ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced the launch of the Spark and Elevate Programme for robotics and autonomous systems, alongside the establishment of a $20 million Pakistan Venture Fund, aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and advanced technology development.
Addressing the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Expo 2026 in Islamabad, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to harnessing advanced technologies to strengthen national sovereignty, defence capabilities and economic development.
The event was attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers and senior government officials.
Highlighting Pakistan’s progress in defence technology, the prime minister said the country had developed significant indigenous capabilities in autonomous systems and cybersecurity.
He said Pakistan’s armed forces had successfully employed advanced autonomous systems and cybersecurity tools during Marka-e-Haq to safeguard the country’s borders.
Shehbaz added that Pakistan had also made substantial progress in local defence manufacturing, noting that simulation systems were now being produced entirely within the country, while more than 60% of drones were being manufactured domestically.
The prime minister praised the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar, and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, saying the armed forces had demonstrated operational excellence, technological advancement and an unwavering commitment to defending Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Emphasising the broader role of innovation, Shehbaz said technological advancement should benefit all segments of society, including farmers, small businesses, women entrepreneurs and vulnerable communities, rather than remaining limited to advanced economies or multinational corporations.
He stressed the need for comprehensive legislation and an ethical framework to ensure the safe, transparent and responsible development of autonomous technologies.
Announcing the Spark and Elevate Programme, the prime minister said the initiative would support world-class research in robotics and autonomous systems, encourage entrepreneurship and create high-skilled employment opportunities.
He said Pakistan aimed to transform research into practical technological solutions, reduce dependence on foreign technologies and build a prosperous future through innovation.
Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, addressing the ceremony, described the Indus RAS Expo 2026 as Pakistan’s flagship national event for robotics and automation.
She said robotics had expanded beyond manufacturing and was now playing an important role across multiple sectors, adding that Pakistan aimed to develop expertise across the entire robotics and artificial intelligence value chain.
Earlier, the prime minister was briefed on various projects showcased at the exhibition, while a documentary highlighting the Indus RAS Expo 2026 was also screened during the event.
