Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, highlighting the importance of technology in the modern era, said that Pakistan would use technological advancements to strengthen its defence and safeguard its sovereignty.
The PM expressed these views while addressing the two-day Indus RAS (Robotics and Autonomous Systems) Expo 2026, which began on Wednesday at the Pak-China Friendship Centre in Islamabad.
The National Technology Fund (Ignite), operating under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) hosted the event.
He said that the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026 is an important step towards positioning Pakistan among the leading nations in 21st-century advanced technology. He said robotics, artificial intelligence and drone technology would strengthen the economy, enhance national security and make people’s lives easier.
The prime minister said Pakistan had also hosted the Indus AI Summit earlier this year, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting advanced technology in the country.
The prime minister said Pakistan had achieved more than 60 percent indigenous production of drones and expressed pride in the country’s significant progress in advanced technology.
He said the use of modern technology in the security sector was a matter of pride, adding that the armed forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, had effectively adopted advanced technological systems.
He said that during Marka-e-Haq, the armed forces successfully defended the country’s borders through autonomous systems and cybersecurity. He added that the support provided by the air chief and naval chief under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had also been exemplary.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan would continue using advanced technology to protect its sovereignty. He added that clear legislation and a comprehensive regulatory framework would also be developed to expand autonomous capabilities in the defence sector.
Shaza Fatima welcomes participants
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said it was an honour to welcome participants to the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026.
She said that under the prime minister’s leadership, Pakistan had adopted a clear direction towards digital transformation and was moving towards owning the complete value chain of robotics and artificial intelligence.
Shaza Fatima said the prime minister had inaugurated an artificial intelligence-powered system at the Prime Minister’s Office, which would bring revolutionary changes to the governance system.
She said Pakistan demonstrated its strength in both conventional and technological warfare during Marka e Haq.
She said the operation, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, showcased the country’s advanced cyber capabilities and autonomous systems alongside its conventional military preparedness.
According to the minister, Marka e Haq reflected Pakistan’s growing focus on technological innovation and modern defense capabilities.
