Shehbaz Sharif: Pakistan to Boost Defence with AI, Robotics and Cybersecurity
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening national defence through advanced technologies, announcing a $20 million Pakistan Venture Fund and the launch of the SPARK & Elevate Programme to accelerate robotics and autonomous systems development.
Addressing the Indus RAS Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo, the prime minister said Pakistan would continue investing in cutting-edge technologies to safeguard its sovereignty while promoting innovation-driven economic growth. The event was attended by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, technology experts and industry representatives.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan had made significant progress in developing indigenous defence capabilities, particularly in robotics, drones and cybersecurity. He noted that the country’s armed forces had employed modern autonomous systems and cyber defence capabilities to protect national borders during “Marka-e-Haq”, describing technological advancement as a vital component of future national security.
The prime minister highlighted that more than 60 percent of drone production is now being carried out domestically, while defence simulators are being manufactured entirely within Pakistan. He praised the armed forces for integrating modern technologies to enhance operational readiness.
He stressed that the global technology revolution should not remain limited to advanced economies or major corporations. Instead, innovation should improve the lives of farmers, small businesses, women entrepreneurs and underserved communities through practical applications in agriculture, healthcare, education and industry.
To support technological innovation, Shehbaz Sharif announced the SPARK & Elevate Programme, aimed at promoting research, nurturing startups and encouraging the commercialization of advanced technologies. He also unveiled a $20 million Pakistan Venture Fund to help innovators and entrepreneurs transform research into globally competitive products and create high-skilled employment opportunities.
The prime minister called for the development of transparent legal and ethical frameworks for autonomous systems, emphasizing responsible use of emerging technologies. He also noted that Pakistan aims to reduce dependence on foreign technologies by strengthening its own research and industrial base.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja described the Indus RAS Expo as Pakistan’s premier national robotics and automation event. She said the country aims to build complete value chains in robotics and artificial intelligence, adding that digital transformation would remain a key driver of sustainable economic growth.
The ceremony also included a detailed briefing on the exhibition and a documentary showcasing Pakistan’s progress in robotics and autonomous systems.