PM Inaugurates Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has inaugurated the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026. Addressing the inaugural ceremony in Islamabad today, he said the expo reflects Pakistan’s determination to become a leading player in the technologies that will shape the 21st century.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister highlighted the transformative impact of robotics and autonomous technologies, particularly in agriculture. These technologies assist farmers in detecting crop stress, optimizing the use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, and responding effectively to climate-related challenges. Additionally, these technologies play a crucial role in disaster response by improving access to affected areas and supporting relief operations.

The Prime Minister also underscored Pakistan’s progress in indigenous technological development, noting advances in autonomous capabilities in defense and security. He praised the armed forces, led by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, for adopting cutting-edge technologies developed within the country. Significant achievements include the manufacturing and assembly of advanced simulators entirely in Pakistan and the indigenization of over sixty percent of drones.

Shehbaz Sharif commended scientists, engineers, technocrats, and professionals for their contributions to strengthening the country’s technological capabilities. He referenced the success of Marka-e-Haq, highlighting Pakistan’s effective use of advanced autonomous systems to safeguard its physical and cyber frontiers.

Emphasizing the importance of a collaborative national innovation ecosystem, the Prime Minister urged universities, research institutions, startups, industries, and the farming community to work together. He stressed that the knowledge and technologies developed in Pakistan should remain indigenous, nationally owned, and continuously advanced.

Shehbaz Sharif called for inclusive technological development, ensuring that the benefits of the robotics and autonomous systems revolution reach farmers, small businesses, women entrepreneurs, young innovators, and underserved communities across Pakistan. He advocated for clear regulatory and ethical frameworks to ensure autonomous systems remain safe, secure, transparent, and beneficial for humanity.

The Prime Minister announced two major initiatives to promote innovation: the government is launching the Spark and Elevate Programme to transform research into globally competitive technologies, enterprises, and high-quality jobs. Additionally, the establishment of the Pakistan Venture Fund was announced, with an initial commitment of twenty million dollars to catalyze investment in Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.