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July 24, 2026
PM Shehbaz Calls for National Innovation Ecosystem to Advance Indigenous Robotics Technology
Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday urged all stakeholders to join a unified national innovation ecosystem, stressing the need to develop indigenous robotics and autonomous systems knowledge and technological capabilities.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the “Indus RAS – Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026”, the prime minister said Pakistan must embrace the technological revolution while ensuring that its benefits reach every segment of society.
“Let our universities, research and development centers, 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.
The premier emphasized that the robotics and autonomous systems revolution should not remain confined to advanced economies, large corporations, or major cities. Instead, he said, it should become a catalyst for inclusive growth by improving the lives of farmers, small businesses, women entrepreneurs, young innovators, and underserved communities across the country and the Global South.
Highlighting the rapid advancement of emerging technologies, PM Shehbaz said their increasing power also placed greater responsibility on governments and stakeholders.
As these technologies become more powerful, the prime minister said, the responsibility grows simultaneously.
“We must establish clear regulatory and ethical frameworks to ensure autonomous systems are safe, secure, transparent, and always used for the benefit of mankind,” he said.
The prime minister reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting innovation and technological development while ensuring that emerging technologies are deployed responsibly and inclusively for sustainable national progress.
The ceremony was attended by Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, federal ministers, industry experts, industrialists, entrepreneurs, foreign delegates, companies and students.
The prime minister also announced two landmark initiatives of the government which would shape the future of robotics and autonomous systems in the country: the Spark and Elevate program to transform Pakistan’s research into world-class technologies, globally competitive enterprises and high-productive jobs, and establishing the Pakistan Venture Fund with an initial commitment of $20 million to catalyze investment in the country’s technology ecosystem. - APP
Courtesy APP
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