ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called upon all national stakeholders to unite under a singular innovation ecosystem, emphasizing the critical need to cultivate indigenous knowledge and technological capabilities within Pakistan. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the “Indus RAS – Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026,” the Prime Minister asserted that Pakistan must proactively embrace the technological revolution while ensuring its socio-economic benefits are distributed equitably across all segments of society.

Building a National Innovation Infrastructure

The Prime Minister outlined a vision where universities, research and development centres, startups, domestic industries, and the agricultural sector operate within an integrated national framework. “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 stated. He underscored that the advancement of robotics and autonomous systems must not be reserved for wealthy nations or large corporations; rather, it should act as a primary catalyst for inclusive growth, benefiting farmers, women entrepreneurs, and young innovators across Pakistan and the broader Global South. Addressing the growing influence of emerging technologies, the Prime Minister acknowledged the associated risks and the imperative for government oversight. He noted that as systems become more autonomous and powerful, the state must establish robust regulatory and ethical frameworks to ensure safety, security, and transparency.

Strategic Initiatives and Investment

During the event, which was attended by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with federal ministers and industry leaders, the Prime Minister announced two landmark initiatives. The “Spark and Elevate” programme is designed to transform domestic research into globally competitive enterprises and high-productivity jobs, while the newly established Pakistan Venture Fund will launch with an initial $20 million commitment to catalyze the local technology landscape. These efforts align with the broader national objective of ensuring that, much like the promotion of scientific innovation, Pakistan remains at the forefront of digital transformation. Reflecting on recent progress, the Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan’s agricultural sector has already begun to benefit from technological interventions, providing a lifeline during climate-induced crises. He also lauded the advancements in the defence sector, noting that under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the armed forces have achieved significant milestones in indigenization. “I have seen simulators 100% manufactured and assembled in Pakistan. Drones have already achieved more than 60% indigenization,” he added. The Prime Minister’s remarks also touched upon the necessity of nurturing the nation’s youth, stating that the country’s future success rests on the ingenuity of its 250 million citizens. He drew parallels to the success of the Indus AI Summit held earlier this year, framing the current Expo as a tangible step toward translating innovation into economic strength.

Governance and Economic Outlook

Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja also addressed the assembly, noting that Pakistan’s pursuit of technological self-reliance is a strategic national decision. She highlighted that the ICT sector had seen an export growth of nearly 21% this year, reflecting the effectiveness of current government policies. “We’ve moved 14 ranks up in the E-Governance Development Index, and we’ve moved 27 ranks up this year in ITU’s ICT Development Index,” she added, reinforcing the government’s commitment to the “Digital Nation Pakistan” vision. The event serves as a platform for future-proofing the national economy, with the Prime Minister concluding that by fostering a culture of enterprise and self-reliance, Pakistan will define its own destiny in the 21st century.