Indus RAS Expo 2026 inaugurated: PM highlights notable achievements in defence tech
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said Pakistan had made significant strides towards self-reliance in defence technology, citing the development of 100 percent indigenous simulators and more than 60 percent local content in drone manufacturing.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Indus RAS – Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026, he said the armed forces had adopted cutting-edge technologies under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, some of which he had witnessed on display outside the venue.
He also announced the establishment of a USD 20 million Pakistan Venture Fund and the launch of the Spark and Elevate programme aimed at supporting research, startups and technology enterprises in robotics and autonomous systems.
The prime minister said Pakistan needed to build an integrated innovation ecosystem linking universities, research institutions, industries, startups and other stakeholders to develop indigenous technological capabilities.
“Let our universities, research and development centres, startups, industries, and farmers become part of one national innovation ecosystem, ensuring that the knowledge behind these technologies is indigenous, owned, and continuously advanced in Pakistan,” he said.
PM Shehbaz said emerging technologies should not remain confined to advanced economies, large corporations or major cities but should be used to improve productivity and create opportunities for farmers, small businesses, women entrepreneurs, young innovators and underserved communities.
He said robotics and autonomous systems could play a key role in sectors such as agriculture, emergency response, industry and public services, while helping Pakistan develop homegrown solutions instead of relying solely on imported technologies.
The prime minister stressed that technological progress must be accompanied by responsible governance, saying clear regulatory and ethical frameworks were required to ensure autonomous systems remained safe, secure and transparent.
“As these technologies become more powerful, our responsibility also grows simultaneously,” he added.
The prime minister said the Spark and Elevate programme would help convert research into commercially viable technologies, globally competitive businesses and high-productivity employment opportunities.
He said the Pakistan Venture Fund, with an initial commitment of USD 20 million, would attract investment into the country’s technology sector and support innovation-driven enterprises.
“Pakistan will not be a nation that merely inherits the choices made by others. We will shape our own destiny through innovation, enterprise, self-reliance and untiring efforts,” he said.
Referring to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and automation, the prime minister said machines were no longer limited to calculations but could now perceive, make decisions and perform complex tasks.
He said Pakistan had already started exploring advanced technology applications in areas including agriculture, emergency management and defence.
In agriculture, he noted that farmers faced challenges such as water shortages, rising input costs, fragmented land holdings and climate change, adding that technology could help improve efficiency and resilience.
He also highlighted the potential role of autonomous systems during emergencies, particularly in situations where damaged infrastructure or disrupted routes make human access difficult.
The prime minister said Pakistan had made progress in developing indigenous capabilities in defence-related technologies, particularly autonomous systems, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting innovation while ensuring technology served broader social interests.
“The future of robots and autonomous machines is not merely a story of technology,” he said, linking the sector’s development to the ambitions of Pakistan’s young population and their ability to create new solutions.
He said sustained investment in research, entrepreneurship and skills development would determine Pakistan’s ability to compete in emerging technology fields.
The ceremony was attended by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, technology experts, industrialists, entrepreneurs, foreign delegates, company representatives and students.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026