Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif orders action plan for gemstone sector

Delays in development initiatives

The prime minister stated that the government cannot tolerate any further postponement of these projects. He instructed relevant authorities to remove obstacles preventing the early completion of model mines and pilot sites.

Call for value addition

Officials were directed to establish centres of excellence to improve mining, cutting and polishing techniques. The government aims to create a complete ecosystem that covers exploration through export preparation to maximise resource value.

Brand Pakistan initiative

Sharif called for the creation of a brand identity for Pakistani gemstones similar to regional competitors. He noted that substandard practices and smuggling cause the country to lose billions of dollars annually.