Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a $20 million Pakistan Venture Fund and launched the Spark and Elevate Programme while outlining an ambitious roadmap to transform Pakistan into a regional leader in artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous technologies.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to becoming a leader in advanced technologies, announcing a $20 million Pakistan Venture Fund and launching the Spark and Elevate Programme during his address at the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026.
Calling the event a milestone for the country’s technological future, the prime minister said the expo had brought together academia, industry, startups, and policymakers on a single platform to accelerate innovation and strengthen Pakistan’s position in the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous systems.
Highlighting Pakistan’s recent efforts, Shehbaz Sharif noted that the country hosted the Indus AI Summit earlier this year, describing it as another important step toward building a modern technology ecosystem.
The prime minister said robotics and drone technologies would strengthen the economy, improve national security, and make everyday life easier for citizens. He added that innovation must be transformed into practical solutions that directly benefit people across Pakistan.
Reflecting on the country’s technological journey, Shehbaz Sharif recalled growing up during the era of black-and-white television, saying the rapid advancement from those early days to today’s AI-powered machines demonstrates how technology has reshaped the world.
He emphasized the growing role of drones in agriculture, where they are helping detect crop diseases, improve water management, and optimize fertilizer use. He also noted that drone technology is proving valuable in disaster response and climate-related emergencies.
On the defense front, the prime minister praised Pakistan’s armed forces, saying they have made significant progress in adopting modern technologies under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He said more than 60% of drone production is now localized, while simulators displayed at the expo were developed entirely in Pakistan. He also credited autonomous systems and cybersecurity capabilities with strengthening national defense.
Shehbaz Sharif announced that the government would develop a clear legal and ethical framework for autonomous systems while integrating universities, research institutions, and industry into a national innovation network. He stressed that technological progress should benefit farmers, small businesses, women, and young people across the country rather than remain limited to major cities.
Concluding his address, the prime minister said Pakistan’s population of 250 million is determined to shape its own technological future, adding that the country aims to create globally competitive innovations, high-value jobs, and a brighter future for coming generations.
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