Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan aims to become a leader in robotics, autonomous systems and emerging technologies
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Expo 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to advancing robotics, artificial intelligence and indigenous technological innovation.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony in Islamabad, the prime minister said the Indus RAS Expo 2026 reflects Pakistan’s determination to become a leading player in the technologies that will shape the 21st century. He said robotics and autonomous systems are rapidly transforming economies by improving productivity, strengthening industrial capabilities and driving innovation across multiple sectors.
Shehbaz Sharif said autonomous technologies have significant applications in agriculture, where they can help farmers detect crop stress, optimise the use of water, fertilisers and pesticides, and improve resilience against climate-related challenges.
He added that robotics can also play an important role in disaster management by improving access to affected areas, accelerating rescue operations and supporting humanitarian relief efforts.
Highlighting Pakistan’s progress in indigenous technology development, the prime minister said the country has achieved notable advances in autonomous capabilities for defence and security. He noted that locally developed simulators and drones demonstrate the growing expertise of Pakistani scientists, engineers and researchers.
Shehbaz Sharif praised the country’s scientific community, technocrats and professionals for contributing to Pakistan’s technological advancement and called for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, startups, industries and the private sector to build a robust national innovation ecosystem.
He stressed that technologies developed in Pakistan should remain indigenous, nationally owned and continuously upgraded to meet future challenges while supporting sustainable economic growth.
The prime minister also emphasised the importance of establishing clear regulatory and ethical frameworks to ensure that robotics and autonomous systems are deployed safely, securely and transparently for the benefit of society.
The Indus RAS Expo 2026 brings together government institutions, technology companies, researchers, innovators and industry leaders to showcase the latest developments in robotics, autonomous systems and emerging technologies. The event is expected to promote collaboration, encourage investment in advanced technologies and strengthen Pakistan’s position in the rapidly evolving global technology landscape.