ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called for speeding up the development of Pakistan’s gemstone sector to boost exports and foreign exchange earnings, and directed authorities to fully exploit the country’s reserves and complete the Islamabad Gemstone Center by August 2027.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister’s House to review the promotion of the gems and minerals sector, the Prime Minister ordered the involvement of internationally recognized experts.
The experts will be employed for the construction of proposed gemstone centers in Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.
The premier emphasized that the implementation of the policy framework must be ensured with the assistance of global experts.
“Value addition in the gem industry is the key to increase our national exports,” the Prime Minister observed and further directed that these centers be equipped with latest technology and modern machinery.
During the briefing, it was revealed that a site on Constitution Avenue in Islamabad has already been identified for the centre.
The facility will offer international standard value-added services, certification, an incubation center and a trade center.
To facilitate the exporters, offices of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will also be established.
The meeting was informed that four consultation meetings have been held with stakeholders regarding the recently approved Gem Policy. Furthermore, work on a scientific roadmap for Pakinomist-fencing of gemstone deposits has begun.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for close cooperation between the federal government and the provincial governments as well as the administrations of GB and AJK.
