ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to host its first international gemstone exhibition in July this year to unlock its untapped potential, the prime minister’s office said on Monday, with the government aiming to establish three lapidary centers for cutting and polishing of gemstones for jewelry production.
Despite an estimated $450 billion in gemstone reserves, Pakistan’s annual exports hover around $5.8 million. The country has intensified efforts to monetize its untapped mineral resources, amid fiscal pressures.
Over the past two years, Islamabad has hosted international minerals conferences and signed agreements with countries including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and China to attract investment and move up the value chain in mining and mineral processing.
PM Shehbaz Sharif on Monday presided over a meeting to review plans to establish gemstone centers to enhance value addition in the sector and bring the country’s gemstone mining and processing up to international standards.
“The government is establishing three Centers of Excellence for cutting, polishing, and making gemstones suitable for use in jewelry,” the PM’s office said in a statement, citing officials.
“The first international gemstone exhibition in Pakistan is being organized for July 2026.”
Pakistan approved its first National Policy Framework for gems and precious stones in January this year, aiming to reform the sector, align it with international standards and increase annual exports to $1 billion within five years.
The government has identified land for gemstone centers in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while efforts were also underway to select a site for the third center in Islamabad, according to the PM’s office.
During the meeting, Sharif was briefed on the introduction of modern gemstone mining and processing techniques as well as the petroleum ministry’s initiatives to promote low-waste gemstone mining practices. He directed the planning ministry to develop a strategy to boost gemstone exports.
“Training is also being provided to 1,000 individuals in internationally standardized gemstone mining techniques,” Sharif’s office said.
