Government earmarks Rs1 billion for sector development as eight new exploration blocks are identified and Centres of Excellence are planned.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed displeasure over slow progress on the Gemstones Pilot Project and delays in implementing development measures, directing the authorities to prepare a time-bound action plan to accelerate the sector’s growth.
“Measures for the development of the gemstones and jewellery sector are a priority, and no delays will be tolerated,” the prime minister said on Wednesday while chairing a meeting to review progress in the sector.
Shehbaz stressed the need to establish a comprehensive ecosystem for value addition, covering gemstone mining, cutting, polishing and preparation for export.
He said Pakistan was suffering annual losses worth billions of dollars because of substandard gemstone mining practices and smuggling, emphasising the need to improve the utilisation of the country’s natural resources.
“Pakistan has been blessed by Almighty Allah with abundant natural resources,” he said, directing the authorities to prioritise measures to increase exports by harnessing the country’s extensive gemstone and mineral reserves.
The prime minister also called for establishing a distinctive Brand Pakistan for gemstones and jewellery, following the example of other countries in the region.
He directed the authorities to develop a roadmap for establishing Centres of Excellence to promote value addition and remove obstacles delaying pilot projects and the development of model gemstone mines.
Centres of Excellence planned in key regions
During the meeting, the prime minister received a detailed briefing on progress in gemstone exploration, cutting and polishing, value addition and export preparations.
Officials informed the meeting that 4.8 kanals of land had been transferred for the proposed Centre of Excellence in Hussainabad, Skardu. The required funds were available, and construction was expected to begin soon.
Land had also been identified for similar facilities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad.
The meeting was informed that, until the Islamabad Centre of Excellence is constructed, the facility would be made fully operational at an alternative location.
Shehbaz directed the authorities to remove all outstanding obstacles and accelerate implementation to ensure the timely completion of the projects.
Eight new gemstone exploration blocks identified
The meeting was informed that geological mapping of identified gemstone-bearing areas had been completed.
Eight new blocks across Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been identified for further exploration and the discovery of gemstone deposits.
An allocation of Rs1 billion had also been earmarked under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the sector’s development during the current year.
To facilitate exporters, export facilitation desks had been established at 80 branches of 10 banks across seven cities.
The initiatives are aimed at improving access to export-related services and strengthening the sector’s capacity to generate foreign exchange through value-added gemstone products.
PM seeks comprehensive action plan next week
The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to prepare a comprehensive action plan for establishing Centres of Excellence for gemstones and jewellery, alongside measures to accelerate the sector’s overall development.
He instructed that the plan be presented next week, stressing that implementation delays must be addressed through clear timelines and effective coordination.
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; Prime Minister’s Adviser Haroon Akhtar; Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiani; and senior officials concerned.