Pakistan's defense establishment is rapidly integrating AI and robotics into its military strategy, a move driven by the need for technological self-reliance and the evolving dynamics of modern warfare. While officially advocating for strict regulation of lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) on the global stage, the country's domestic ecosystem is quietly advancing its capabilities.
Pakistan's Official Stance on International Regulation
Pakistan is a vocal and consistent participant in global discussions on autonomous weapons, primarily through the United Nations Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). The country has repeatedly emphasized the need for a legally binding international instrument to ensure "meaningful human control" is retained over lethal force decisions.
- UN Working Papers: Pakistan has submitted several working papers to the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on LAWS at the UN, outlining its principled stance. One such document, titled "Elements of an international legal instrument on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS)", calls for the prohibition of LAWS that operate without a human in the loop. These documents can be accessed on the Reaching Critical Will website, a key resource for disarmament negotiations.
- Official Statements: Pakistani diplomats have consistently highlighted the ethical and legal concerns surrounding fully autonomous weapons, advocating for a two-tier approach that would ban certain systems and strictly regulate others. Statements from Pakistan's Permanent Mission to the UN frequently touch upon these issues, reflecting a clear policy position.
The Domestic AI and Defense Ecosystem
Behind its official diplomatic stance, Pakistan's defense industrial complex is building a robust indigenous capacity in AI and robotics. This is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and develop a self-reliant defense industry.
- Dedicated Military Centers: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has established the Centre of Artificial Intelligence and Computing (CENTAIC), a dedicated research hub focused on integrating AI into air warfare. Media reports suggest CENTAIC's work includes developing systems for cognitive electronic warfare, predictive analytics, and next-generation aircraft projects, aiming to create a more network-centric force. The Pakistan Army has also established a Cyber Command, recognizing the critical role of technology in modern combat.
- Academic and Research Initiatives: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has played a crucial role by funding several National Centers dedicated to advanced technology research. The National Centre of Robotics and Automation (NCRA), for instance, is a consortium of over a dozen labs across various Pakistani universities. NCRA's research portfolio includes swarm robotics, autonomous vehicle navigation, and advanced control systems, which have both civilian and military applications. Similarly, the National Centre of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), located at universities like NED University of Engineering and Technology, is another key component of this national effort.
- Indigenous Drone Programs: Pakistan's defense sector has already produced a range of indigenous drones. The NESCOM Burraq, an armed combat aerial vehicle, has been used in counter-terrorism operations. The GIDS Shahpar is another example of a domestically developed surveillance drone. The integration of AI into these platforms aims to improve their precision, target recognition, and operational efficiency, thereby enhancing Pakistan's asymmetric warfare capabilities. You can find specifications and details on a number of these platforms on defense analysis sites like War Power Pakistan.
Strategic Drivers
Pakistan's push for AI in defense is not happening in a vacuum. It is a calculated response to several strategic imperatives.
- Regional Power Dynamics: The integration of AI is seen as a necessary step to maintain a strategic balance in a region with rapidly advancing military technologies.
- Technological Self-Reliance: By fostering its own AI and robotics ecosystem, Pakistan aims to reduce its reliance on foreign military hardware, a long-standing goal that is reflected in the strategic documents of the Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP).
- Modernizing Asymmetric Warfare: AI-powered systems are crucial for enhancing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, particularly in difficult and remote terrains, providing a technological edge in non-conventional conflicts.