Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed authorities to grant industrial status to the gems and precious stones sector, emphasizing immediate action and collaboration.
Chairing a meeting focused on this sector, the Prime Minister called for essential legislation and consultation with provinces and the private sector to boost the industry. He also instructed the immediate activation of the Gems and Jewelry Development Company.
Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the untapped potential in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, which are rich in natural resources. He stressed the need for international certification of stone products and their exhibition on global platforms.
Additionally, he urged the launch of training programs to enhance the value addition of stone products and the commencement of geological mapping in KP, GB, and AJK to identify precious stone deposits.
The Prime Minister’s directives aim to create a comprehensive strategy that promotes investment in the gems and rare stone sector. During the meeting, officials discussed ongoing efforts to formulate this strategy. Federal ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Jam Kamal Khan, and Dr. Musaddik Malik, along with State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmed and other senior officers, attended the meeting.
The Prime Minister’s focus on this sector aligns with his broader vision of leveraging Pakistan’s natural resources to boost economic growth. By granting industrial status to the gems and precious stones sector, the government seeks to attract investment, improve quality standards, and enhance the international competitiveness of Pakistan’s stone products.
The activation of the Gems and Jewelry Development Company and the proposed initiatives will play a crucial role in realizing this vision.
This move marks a significant step towards exploiting the country’s mineral wealth and supporting regional development, particularly in resource-rich but economically lagging areas. The government’s proactive approach aims to transform the gems and precious stones sector into a thriving industry that contributes significantly to the national economy.
