ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to develop a “Brand Pakistan” identity for the country’s gemstones and jewellery sector, similar to branding initiatives adopted by other countries in the region, as part of efforts to increase value addition and exports.
The prime minister issued the directive while chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on measures aimed at developing the gemstones and jewellery industry and increasing its export potential.
Shehbaz expressed displeasure over slow progress on the gemstones pilot project and delays in implementing measures for the sector’s development.
He directed the relevant authorities to prepare and present a time-bound action plan on a priority basis, stressing that further delays would not be tolerated.
The prime minister said development of the gemstones and jewellery sector remained a government priority and called for the creation of a complete value-addition ecosystem covering gemstone mining, cutting, polishing and preparation for export.
He said Pakistan was losing billions of dollars annually because of substandard mining practices and gemstone smuggling despite possessing substantial natural resources.
Shehbaz directed authorities to take priority measures to utilise the country’s gemstone and mineral reserves to increase exports.
Centres of Excellence Planned for Gemstone Sector
The prime minister also ordered the preparation of a roadmap for the early establishment of Centres of Excellence aimed at improving value addition in the gemstone and jewellery industry.
He directed officials to remove obstacles delaying pilot projects and the development of model gemstone mines so that the initiatives could be completed at the earliest.
During the meeting, the prime minister was given a detailed briefing on progress on the pilot project covering gemstone exploration, cutting and polishing, value addition and preparation for export.
Officials informed the meeting that 4.8 kanals of land had already been transferred for a Centre of Excellence in Hussainabad, Skardu.
Funds for the project are available, and construction is expected to begin soon.
Land has also been identified for similar facilities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad.
Until the permanent Centre of Excellence in Islamabad is constructed, officials said the facility would be made fully operational at an alternative location.
Eight New Gemstone Exploration Blocks Identified
The meeting was also briefed on policy measures being taken to develop the sector.
Officials said geological mapping of identified gemstone-bearing areas had been completed.
The exercise resulted in the identification of eight new blocks in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for further exploration and potential gemstone discoveries.
The government has allocated Rs1 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) during the current year for development of the gemstones and jewellery sector.
Export Facilitation Desks Set Up Across Seven Cities
To facilitate gemstone exporters, authorities have established export facilitation desks at 80 branches of 10 banks across seven cities, the meeting was informed.
The initiative is intended to improve access to financial and export-related services for businesses operating in the sector.
Shehbaz directed officials to submit a comprehensive roadmap next week covering the establishment of Centres of Excellence as well as broader measures for developing the gemstones and jewellery industry.
Federal ministers Jam Kamal Khan, Dr Musadik Masood Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema, Ahsan Iqbal, Attaullah Tarar and Ali Pervaiz Malik attended the meeting.
Prime Minister’s Adviser Haroon Akhtar, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiani and other senior officials were also present.