Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calls for a unified national innovation ecosystem.
- Two key initiatives announced: Spark and Elevate programme, Pakistan Venture Fund.
- Focus on inclusive growth and indigenous technological development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for the establishment of a unified national innovation ecosystem to advance indigenous robotics technology. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 'Indus RAS – Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026', he emphasized the importance of involving all stakeholders, including universities, research centres, startups, industries, and farmers.
The prime minister highlighted that Pakistan must embrace the technological revolution to ensure its benefits reach every segment of society. He stressed the need for indigenous knowledge and continuous advancement in this field, stating, 'Let our universities, research and development centers, startups, industries, and farmers become part of one national innovation ecosystem.'
Addressing concerns about inclusivity, Shehbaz Sharif said that robotics and autonomous systems should not remain confined to advanced economies or major cities. Instead, he emphasized their potential as a catalyst for inclusive growth by improving the lives of various segments of society, including farmers, small businesses, women entrepreneurs, young innovators, and underserved communities.
The prime minister also highlighted the rapid advancement of emerging technologies and the growing responsibility that comes with it. He said, 'We must establish clear regulatory and ethical frameworks to ensure autonomous systems are safe, secure, transparent, and always used for the benefit of mankind.'
In his speech, Shehbaz Sharif announced two landmark initiatives: the Spark and Elevate programme, aimed at transforming Pakistan’s research into world-class technologies, globally competitive enterprises, and high-productive jobs. Additionally, he launched the Pakistan Venture Fund with an initial commitment of $20 million to catalyze investment in the technology ecosystem.
The prime minister underscored that the future of robotics and autonomous machines is not just about technology but also about a nation's resilience and determination. He said, 'In fact, it is the story of our very young, bright people whose cherished dreams are ignited by the spark of curiosity whose talent knows no bounds and whose ingenuity will shape our motherland, Pakistan, for a wonderful future.'
The ceremony was attended by key figures including Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, experts, industrialists, entrepreneurs, foreign delegates, brands, companies, and students. The prime minister’s vision for the future is clear: 'Today, Pakistan stands at the cusp of a historic opportunity, one we cannot and shall not miss, inshallah.'
Let our universities, research and development centers, startups, industries, and farmers become part of one national innovation ecosystem.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
We must establish clear regulatory and ethical frameworks to ensure autonomous systems are safe, secure, transparent, and always used for the benefit of mankind.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
