ISLAMABAD(The COW News Digiatl) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the introduction of a “Brand Pakistan” initiative for precious stones and gemstones to strengthen the country’s international market presence, improve export earnings and promote value addition in the sector.
The directive was issued during a review meeting chaired by the prime minister in Islamabad to assess measures for developing Pakistan’s gemstone industry and increasing exports.
Shehbaz expressed concern over delays in the preparation of a pilot project and the slow pace of initiatives aimed at developing the sector. He instructed the relevant authorities to prepare a comprehensive, time-bound action plan and present it on a priority basis.
The prime minister stressed that the development of the gemstone industry was a priority and that unnecessary delays would not be tolerated. He called for the establishment of an integrated ecosystem covering mining, cutting, polishing, processing and value addition to improve the quality and international competitiveness of Pakistani gemstones.
According to the briefing presented at the meeting, Pakistan loses billions of dollars annually due to substandard mining practices and gemstone smuggling. The prime minister emphasised that the country must make better use of its natural resources by strengthening the formal gemstone trade and expanding exports.
He directed the authorities to remove obstacles hindering pilot projects and the development of model mines. He also called for a clear roadmap for establishing Centres of Excellence to support technical training, modern processing techniques and value addition.
The government aims to improve the preparation of gemstones for international markets rather than relying solely on the extraction and sale of raw materials.
Officials informed the meeting that 4.8 kanals of land had been transferred for a proposed Centre of Excellence in Hussainabad, Skardu. Funding for the project was available, and construction was expected to begin soon.
Land had also been identified for similar facilities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad. Officials said the Islamabad centre would be made operational at an alternative location until construction of its permanent facility was completed.
The proposed centres are intended to support the development of technical expertise and improve the quality and commercial value of locally sourced gemstones.
The meeting was also informed that geological mapping of identified gemstone-bearing areas had been completed. Eight new blocks in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been identified for further exploration and assessment of gemstone deposits.
The government has allocated Rs1 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme for the sector’s development during the current year.
To facilitate exporters, export facilitation desks have been established at 80 branches of 10 banks across seven cities, according to the briefing.
Shehbaz directed the relevant authorities to submit a comprehensive roadmap next week covering the establishment of Centres of Excellence and other measures to accelerate the industry’s development.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Jam Kamal Khan, Dr Musadik Masood Malik, Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar and Ali Pervaiz Malik, along with Adviser to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiani and senior officials.
The proposed Brand Pakistan initiative seeks to strengthen the country’s gemstone identity in global markets. Its success will depend on timely implementation, improved mining standards, effective action against smuggling and the development of modern processing and export facilities.
