Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has approved a comprehensive National Policy Framework aimed at unlocking Pakistan’s vast gemstone potential and significantly boosting exports.
The initiative seeks to tap into an estimated $450 billion worth of gemstone reserves across the country, transforming a largely underutilized sector into a major contributor to foreign exchange earnings.
Addressing the current disparity, the prime minister noted that despite holding gemstone reserves valued at around $450 billion, Pakistan’s annual gemstone exports stand at only $5.8 million. He set an ambitious target of raising gemstone exports to $1 billion within the next five years through structured reforms, value addition, and formalization of trade.
As part of the policy, the prime minister directed the establishment of Centres of Excellence within the current year to train skilled professionals in gemstone mining, cutting, polishing, grading, and marketing.
These centers will focus on developing local expertise and aligning skills with international market requirements. He also instructed the creation of international-standard gemstone testing laboratories, along with a formal certification and warranty regime, to enhance credibility and buyer confidence in Pakistani gemstones.
A key objective of the framework is to shift gemstone exports from undocumented and illegal smuggling channels to transparent, legal trade. This move is expected to generate substantial foreign exchange inflows, improve regulatory oversight, and ensure fair returns for miners and exporters.
Additionally, the prime minister ordered comprehensive geological surveys to map the location, quality, and commercial value of Pakistan’s gemstone deposits.
These surveys will cover high-value stones such as emeralds, rubies, peridot, topaz, and aquamarine. To ensure swift implementation, the Ministry of Finance has been directed to immediately release the required funds for surveys, infrastructure development, and institutional support.
The initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy to diversify exports, formalize key sectors, and unlock Pakistan’s natural resource potential for sustainable economic growth.
