Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared Pakistan will build its own advanced technology. Speaking at the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo, he launched the Pakistan robotics program alongside a $20 million venture fund. Therefore, the country is committing serious resources to indigenous innovation and reducing foreign dependence.
The Spark and Elevate Program will promote robotics and autonomous systems development. Additionally, the venture fund will support startups, research, and technology commercialization. Consequently, Pakistan aims to transform research into products while creating quality jobs.
“We will not remain dependent on foreign technology but will chart our own destiny,” Sharif said. The message was clear: the Pakistan robotics program represents a strategic priority. Moreover, he emphasized that indigenous capabilities already exist in defense and drones.
Military simulators are now manufactured domestically, according to the PM. Furthermore, more than 60 percent of armed forces drones come from local production. This demonstrates existing capacity for advanced technology development. Therefore, the Pakistan robotics program builds on established foundations.
Sharif stressed that technology should benefit agriculture, water management, and climate resilience. Additionally, small businesses and farmers need access to technological advancement. Still, he called for ethical and legal frameworks governing autonomous systems use.
Separately, Sharif welcomed S&P Global’s upgrade of Pakistan’s sovereign credit rating from B- to B. This represents recognition of economic reforms and fiscal discipline. Furthermore, the upgrade improves investor confidence significantly. Therefore, foreign investment opportunities should expand across multiple sectors.
The timing matters strategically. Economic stabilization now enables technology investments. Moreover, the venture fund signals confidence in Pakistan’s innovation capacity. Finally, the Pakistan robotics program positions the country as a regional technology player.
