Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernise Pakistan’s gemstone industry.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad, he reviewed plans to align mining and processing of precious stones with international standards to boost exports.
During the review meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan is richly endowed with natural resources, particularly precious stones.
He noted that the sector holds significant export potential if developed using modern techniques and value addition within the country.
Three centers of excellence planned
Officials briefed the meeting on the establishment of three Centers of Excellence aimed at modernising gemstone processing.
These centres will focus on advanced cutting, carving, and jewellery manufacturing in line with global standards.
Land has already been identified for two centres in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while the third facility is planned for Islamabad.
Focus on skills and transparency
The proposed centres will also provide technical training to develop skilled manpower in the gemstone industry.
Shehbaz Sharif stressed that transparency must remain a key priority in the establishment and functioning of these centres.
The government has assigned the Ministry of Planning the responsibility of developing a strategy to increase exports after value addition.
Officials said a comprehensive action plan is being prepared and will soon be presented to the Prime Minister for approval.
The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of Special Assistant to the PM Haroon Akhtar and his team, calling their work on sector development commendable.
He reiterated that structured reforms could help turn Pakistan’s gemstone industry into a major export contributor.
