ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Commercial Exporters Association in collaboration with the Centaurus Mall organised the Gems and Minerals Exhibition on Saturday.

According to a statement, the event attracted gem enthusiasts, collectors, and industry professionals from all corners of the country, providing a platform to showcase and celebrate Pakistan’s rich and diverse gemstone and mineral resources.

The Gems and Minerals Exhibition was inaugurated by Sardar Dr Rashid Ilyas Khan (president Sardar Group), Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari (President ICCI) and Ruhul Alam Siddique (deputy high commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan).

During his address to the audience, Sardar Dr Rashid Ilyas Khan emphasised the need for the government to provide advanced polishing, cutting, and cleaning technology to gemstone producers in their respective areas.

He highlighted the potential for Pakistan to create world class standard products from these gems, which could then be exported to the US and western markets, generating billions of dollars in revenue.

He emphasised the importance of investing in technology and infrastructure to enhance the value and appeal of Pakistan’s gemstone industry.

“By providing the necessary resources and support, the government can help local producers compete on a global scale, tapping into lucrative international markets,” he said.

The exhibition showcased the incredible geological wealth of Pakistan.

From the world famous Kashmir sapphires to the mesmerising emeralds of Swat valley, rare and unique gemstones, such as spinel, topaz and tourmaline, were also on display, captivating the attention of gem enthusiasts and collectors.

The exhibition served as a platform for networking and business opportunities.

The presence of commercial exporters and dealers provided a chance for attendees to connect with industry professionals, expand their collections and even make purchases.

President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that if the precious and semi-precious stone market of Pakistan was marketed in the right way, Pakistan could export about five billion dollars worth of precious stones and jewellery.

Sardar Rashid Ilyas, owner of Centaurus Mall, said that Centaurus had the honour of standing with every class and trying to highlight the neglected sections.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2023