ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government has decided to establish a specialized “Gem and Jewelry City” in the capital, state-run media reported on Wednesday, in its bid to promote the precious stones and attract foreign investment in the sector.
Pakistan has significant gemstone reserves, particularly in its northern and northwestern regions, which include a variety of high-quality stones such as peridot, aquamarine, topaz, ruby and emerald.
There are 18 types of gemstones in Pakistan for which 178 major mining licenses have been issued. According to Pakistani state media, 80 percent of Pakistan’s gemstone exports are in raw form.
“A gem and jewelry city will be established in Islamabad,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported, adding that the decision was taken after a meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee on Precious Stones in the capital.
Industries and Production Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain chaired the meeting with Communications Minister Aleem Khan, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal and other officials attending it.
“It was also decided to establish an authority for the effective use of precious stones,” Radio Pakistan added.
The meeting also agreed to set up a Gemstone Export Processing Center to facilitate foreign investment in the gemstones sector, the state-run media reported. It also said that the government would set up jewelry and gemstone centers at international airports across the country.
In May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke of granting industry status to Pakistan’s gemstone sector, citing its economic potential following a 47 percent increase in the export of pearls and precious stones to China in 2023.
In August, PM Shehbaz Sharif instructed relevant authorities to prepare a strategy for gemstone mining in the Gilgit-Baltistan region within a month to minimize unnecessary wastage and enhance export revenue from precious stones.
Pakistan to set up ‘Gem City’ in Islamabad to push for foreign investment in precious stones sector
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Pakistan to set up ‘Gem City’ in Islamabad to push for foreign investment in precious stones sector
- Pakistan has significant gemstone reserves, particularly in its northern and northwestern regions
- Peridot, aquamarine, topaz, ruby and emerald are some of the high-quality precious stones available
Pakistan to play India in T20 World Cup, government says
- Islamabad announced boycotting the Feb. 15 match in Colombo to protest the ICC’s exclusion of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup
- Pakistan’s government says the decision to play India is taken to protect ‘spirit of cricket and to support the continuity of global sport’
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has cleared the country’s cricket team to play India in the T20 World Cup on Feb. 15, the Pakistani government announced late Monday, ending a week-long standoff.
Islamabad announced boycotting the Feb. 15 match in Colombo to protest the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) exclusion of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup, following Dhaka’s decision to not play matches in India owing to security fears.
On Sunday, ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja arrived in Lahore for talks with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam as the sport’s governing body strived to save the high-stakes T20 World Cup encounter.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met PM Sharif late Monday and briefed him regarding the outcomes of high-level deliberations held between the PCB, Bangladesh board and ICC representatives, the Pakistani government said on X.
“The Government of Pakistan has reviewed the formal requests extended to the PCB by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, as well as the supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations. These correspondences sought Pakistan’s leadership in securing a viable solution to recent challenges,” the Pakistani government said.
“In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.”
The BCB earlier thanked the PCB, ICC and all others for their positive roles in trying to “overcome recent challenges,” particularly thanking PCB Chairman Naqvi and Pakistani cricket fans for demonstrating “exemplary sportsmanship and solidarity.”
“We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish,” BCB President Islam said in a statement.
“Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on 15 February against India for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem.”
The dispute stemmed from the ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland last month after Bangladesh refused to play tournament matches in India. Dhaka’s decision followed the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was bought for $1 million by the IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders, but on Jan. 3 the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ordered Kolkata to release Mustafizur without a public explanation but amid regional tensions.
Pakistani cricket authorities subsequently announced boycotting the match against India at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Feb. 15. An India-Pakistan fixture is the sport’s most lucrative asset, generating a massive share of global broadcasting and sponsorship revenue.
“This decision [to play India in T20 World Cup] has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket, and to support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations,” the Pakistani government said.
“We remain confident that our team will carry the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride onto the field as they compete for global glory.”
