ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the development of a comprehensive value-addition ecosystem in Pakistan’s gemstone sector. He called for expedited efforts in mining, cutting, and polishing precious stones to enhance exports and reduce losses due to substandard practices and smuggling.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister expressed dissatisfaction over delays in a pilot project aimed at advancing the gemstone industry. In a meeting held in Islamabad to address these issues, he instructed authorities to create and submit a time-bound action plan promptly. Emphasizing that initiatives for the precious stones and gems sector are a priority, Sharif stated that delays would not be tolerated.

The Prime Minister highlighted the need for the “Brand Pakistan” initiative, aiming to leverage the country’s vast reserves by promoting precious stones and gems. He called for the removal of obstacles hindering pilot projects and the swift establishment of model mines and centers of excellence to facilitate value addition.

During the meeting, officials provided a detailed briefing on the progress of the pilot project, including a land transfer for a Centre of Excellence in Skardu and identified locations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad. Geological mapping has been completed in several areas, identifying new blocks in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for further exploration.

An allocation of one billion rupees has been made this year under the Public Sector Development Programme to support the sector’s development. Additionally, export facilitation desks have been set up in 80 branches of 10 banks across seven cities to assist exporters.

Sharif directed the preparation of a comprehensive action plan to establish centers of excellence and implement measures for the industry’s growth by next week.