Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today issued a directive for the completion of a proposed gemstone centre in Islamabad by August of the following year, mandating the use of international expertise to overhaul the sector and maximise foreign exchange earnings from exports.
The prime minister’s instructions came as he chaired a high-level meeting in the capital focused on the promotion of the country’s gemstones and minerals.
He emphasised the need for optimum utilisation of Pakistan”s precious gemstone reserves to generate significant revenue through foreign trade.
A central theme of the discussion was national coordination, with the prime minister directing all provinces, alongside the governments of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, to work in unison for the development of the gemstone industry.
Officials were instructed to secure the services of international specialists for the construction of planned gemstone facilities in Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir. The prime minister also stressed that these new centres must be equipped with the latest technology.
The policy framework for the sector is also set to be reviewed and implemented with assistance from global experts, with a strong focus on increasing exports through value addition.
During the meeting, attendees were briefed on current promotional measures. It was confirmed that a location has been finalised on Constitution Avenue for the establishment of the Islamabad gemstone centre.
This facility is slated to provide international-standard value addition services, certification, an incubation hub, and a trade centre.
The meeting was also informed that work has commenced on developing a geo-fencing scientific roadmap for the nation”s gemstone deposits.