ISLAMABAD: The National Productivity Organisation (NPO) has initiated a technical assistance programme for the gemstone sector in collaboration with the Asian Productivity Organisation, Tokyo, Japan.

The consultancy and workshops under the programme focused on gemstone identification, certification, cutting and polishing techniques with experts from the Gems and Jewellery Institute, Thailand.

Sessions were held in Peshawar, Gilgit, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore aimed to enhance stakeholders’ capacity and foster economic growth through knowledge sharing and skill development.

The programme involved industry professionals, associations and international experts, promoting collaboration and economic prosperity in the gems and jewelry sector.

Delegation holds consultancy sessions in Peshawar, Gilgit, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Lahore

The experts shared knowledge and hands-on skills and practices for enhancing the capacity of the stakeholders, paving way for broader collaboration and propelling towards sustained economic prosperity.

The objective was to promote international standards in gemstone products, provide comprehensive knowledge of cutting, polishing, designing and heating techniques; and enhance understanding of best practices and technological advances in gemstone value chains.

Engaging relevant associations, industry experts and business professionals with international experts was also part of the programme to learn latest techniques and processes thereby leading to overall productivity enhancement in the sector.

The Asian Productivity Organisation’s team was led by the programme officer accompanied by senior international resource persons from the Gems and Jewellery Institute.

The delegation held consultancy sessions in Peshawar, Gilgit, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Lahore. In Peshawar, the delegation visited the Gems and Jewellery Training Centre, Tevta, Gems and Jewellery Centre of Excellence at UET and the potential gemstone market (Namak Mandi) and met local industry representatives.

The delegation also visited and conducted sessions at lapidary training centre under the GB administration.

A session on structural reforms and sharing of best practices in gems and jewellery sector was also held at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).

Representatives of PGJTEA association and other key stakeholders attended the sessions highlighting key sector issues, challenges and opportunities. The delegation will submit a report giving overview and recommendations for uplift of gemstone sector in Pakistan.

A statement issued here said nature had bestowed Pakistan with largest treasures of gemstones. Some of these made Pakistan prominent in the mineral world. World’s most desired coloured gemstones such as emerald, ruby, sapphire, topaz, aquamarine and tourmaline were found in Pakistan.

The northern and northwestern parts of Pakistan are shrouded by the three world-famous ranges called Hindukush, Himalaya and Karakorum. These mountains have been found to be extremely rich in mineral deposits. Deep green emerald of Swat valley and rare pink topaz of Katlang are one of the most precious gemstones in the world market.

Gemstones present in Pakistan could be found in Swat, Dir, Mansehra, Kohistan and Peshawar and in Chilas, Hunza, Shigar and Baltistan.

In Balochistan, they are in abundance in Kharan and Chaman etc.

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2024