Govt eyes global branding push for gemstones sector

Mettis Global reported that the government intends to pinpoint mining blocks for topaz, ruby and other high-value gemstones in several parts of the country. The announcement came from Haroon Akhtar Khan, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, who chaired a steering committee meeting on the sector's growth. Participants reviewed ways to attract investment, increase value addition, improve market access and lift exports.

Haroon Akhtar Khan said investor-friendly policies were central to unlocking the sector's potential, and provinces will be involved so policy is applied consistently nationwide. Officials are also building a database by digitising records and charting gemstone and mineral deposits, which is intended to support investment. He argued that adding value and building internationally recognised Pakistani brands would lift exports, and a plan to promote those brands worldwide is being prepared.

Gemstone expos are to open shortly in Karachi and Islamabad, bringing miners, traders and foreign buyers together. Customs is also working with the private sector to amend relevant HS codes and ease trade. Around 12,000 training programmes have been completed so far, with a training centre planned for Quetta and excellence centres slated for Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad.