From AI to Robotics: How Pakistan Is Changing Warfare
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan has stepped up efforts to develop home-grown robotics and autonomous systems, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighting these technologies as a key part of the country’s future defence strategy.
Addressing the opening session of the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Expo 2026 in Islamabad, the prime minister said locally developed autonomous capabilities were strengthening Pakistan’s defence and security framework.
Referring to the May 2025 conflict with India, the prime minister said Pakistan’s armed forces effectively used modern autonomous systems to safeguard both physical and cyber frontiers.
He described robotics and autonomous technology as an emerging pillar of national security, stressing the importance of indigenous innovation to enhance Pakistan’s defence capabilities.
The two-day Indus RAS Expo brings together experts, researchers and industry stakeholders to showcase developments in robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.
He described robotics and autonomous technology as an emerging pillar of national security, stressing the importance of indigenous innovation to enhance Pakistan’s defence capabilities.
Pakistan Eyes AI and Robotics as Next Engine of Economic Growth
Islamabad: Pakistan is positioning artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics at the centre of its future economic strategy, with Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja saying the country aims to build indigenous capabilities across the entire technology value chain.
Speaking at the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Expo 2026 on Wednesday, the minister said Pakistan has made a strategic decision to pursue technological self-reliance, describing AI and robotics as key drivers of productivity, employment and long-term economic competitiveness.
She said the government is investing in digital infrastructure, innovation, entrepreneurship, emerging technologies and skills development to create an ecosystem where startups can grow, investors can expand and young Pakistanis can compete globally.
Highlighting recent progress, Shaza Fatima said Pakistan’s ICT exports increased by nearly 21% this year, while the country also improved its standing in global cybersecurity, e-government and ICT development rankings.
The minister said nearly one million young people have received digital training this year, ranging from basic IT skills to advanced semiconductor and chip design programmes, as part of efforts to prepare the workforce for the intelligent economy.
She stressed that Pakistan must move beyond simply adopting AI technologies to developing and owning them, calling for greater investment in research, real-world testing facilities, secure computing infrastructure and partnerships that ensure technology transfer.
According to the minister, AI and robotics are reshaping industries worldwide, and countries that invest in these technologies today will be better positioned to lead the global economy in the years ahead.
