ISLAMABAD: Emphasising the importance of increasing exports of locally sourced precious gemstones, the government has decided to establish three centres of excellence to improve the production of these natural resources.

Chairing a review meeting to align Pakistan’s gemstone mining and processing sector with international standards and enhance exports, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also directed policy measures to boost gemstone exports by utilising domestic resources.

The premier said Pakistan had been blessed with abundant natural resources, including precious stones, and stressed that the sector has strong potential to increase exports by leveraging local resources.

The meeting was informed that three centres of excellence were being established to provide international-standard training in cutting, polishing, and preparing gemstones for use in jewellery.

Three excellence centres to boost processing standards

The prime minister stressed that transparency must remain a key element in the establishment of the centres of excellence.

Mr Sharif assigned the Ministry of Planning the task of formulating a comprehensive strategy to boost exports of processed gemstones. The ministry was expected to present the plan soon, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

He also appreciated the efforts of his Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar and his team for promoting the development of the sector, terming their initiatives commendable.

Pieces of land had already been identified for the establishment of such centres in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while work was underway to identify a site in Islamabad. The meeting was further informed that Pakistan would host its first international gemstone exhibition in July. Additionally, initiatives were underway in collaboration with Sri Lanka and China to train skilled manpower in specialised gemstone processing.

The officials also briefed the prime minister on measures taken by the ministry of petroleum to promote mining practices that minimise wastage. It was highlighted that joint projects were being launched in consultation with local communities, and around 1,000 individuals were being trained in internationally compliant mining techniques.

The prime minister was also briefed on the timelines and progress of the projects and he directed the ministry of planning to expedite the preparation of a comprehensive roadmap to increase exports from the sector.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2026