24/01/2026
Prime Minister Approves National Policy Framework for Gems and Precious Stones. Private sector represented only APCEA"
Dated: January 09, 2026.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has accorded in-principle approval to a National Policy Framework aimed at reforms in the gemstones sector and aligning it with international standards.
Chairing a meeting in Islamabad today, he directed to ensure implementation of the actions assigned under the policy framework for the current year.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan possesses vast reserves of gemstones. On a priority basis, geological surveys should be conducted to determine the geography and value of these reserves. He further instructed that consultations with all relevant institutions, provincial governments and stakeholders be ensured in this process.
He said immediate steps should be taken for the establishment of international-standard laboratories and certification systems.
The Prime Minister said providing a conducive environment for foreign investment should be given top priority in the policy framework.
He said two model Centers of Excellence related to gemstones should be established in the country during the current year. He noted that despite having large gemstone reserves, Pakistan’s exports are negligible.
He emphasized that private companies, particularly young entrepreneurs, should be encouraged to enter this sector.
The meeting was informed that during the preparation of the National Policy Framework, the Ministry of Industries and Commerce identified key issues and developed a comprehensive set of priority policy measures which, through reforms over five years, will ensure the achievement of a one billion dollar export target for this sector.
The meeting was further informed that during the current year, under the policy framework, the Ministry of Industries and Commerce will ensure the integration of the gemstone value chain into the national economy, value addition through in-country processing of stones, adoption of modern technology, private-sector training programs and the introduction of the “Brand Pakistan” initiative.
The Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Finance to ensure the immediate provision of available financial resources for the development of the sector.
