PM announces $20mln Pakistan Venture Fund initiative

WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced the launch of the Spark and Elevate Programme for robotics and autonomous systems, along with the establishment of a $20 million Pakistan Venture Fund.

Addressing the Indus RAS (Robotics and Autonomous Systems) Expo in Islamabad, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to using advanced technologies to strengthen national sovereignty and defence.

During his address, the PM said Pakistan had made significant progress in developing indigenous capabilities in defence and security, particularly in autonomous systems and cybersecurity.

The event was also attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, and senior officials.

Regarding the defence capabilities, the PM said Pakistan would continue to leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance its defence capabilities and protect its sovereignty.  The country’s armed forces had successfully employed advanced autonomous systems and cybersecurity tools to safeguard the nation’s borders during Marka-e-Haq, he added.

He said Pakistan had also made notable strides in local defence manufacturing, with simulation systems now being produced entirely within the country and more than 60 per cent of drones being manufactured domestically.

The prime minister praised the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar, and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf. Regarding their tireless contributions, the PM said that the armed forces had demonstrated operational excellence, technological advancement, and an unwavering commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty.

Speaking of the broader role of innovation, Shehbaz said the technological revolution should not remain confined to advanced economies, multinational corporations, or major cities, but should benefit farmers, small businesses, women entrepreneurs, and vulnerable communities alike.

He stressed the need for clear legislation and an ethical framework to ensure the safe and transparent development of autonomous systems.

To promote innovation, the prime minister announced the launch of the Spark and Elevate Programme, aimed at supporting research in world-class robotics and autonomous technologies, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating high-skilled employment opportunities.

Shehbaz said Pakistan would transform research into practical technological solutions, reduce dependence on foreign technologies, and build a prosperous future through innovation and hard work.

Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja also addressed the gathering, describing the Indus RAS Expo 2026 as Pakistan’s flagship national event for robotics and automation.

She said robots were no longer limited to factories but were increasingly contributing across multiple sectors, adding that Pakistan aimed to develop ownership across the entire robotics and artificial intelligence value chain.

Earlier, the prime minister was briefed on the exhibition, while a documentary highlighting the Indus RAS Expo was also screened during the event.