PM sees strong mineral export potential

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting on the gemstone sector in the federal capital. PHOTO: APP

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday noted that Pakistan had been blessed with abundant natural resources, including precious stones, and stressed that the sector offered strong potential to increase exports using local resources.

The premier chaired a high-level review meeting focused on aligning Pakistan's gemstone mining and processing sector with international standards and enhancing exports, including the establishment of three Centers of Excellence across the country.

He emphasized that transparency must remain a key element in the establishment of the centers of excellence.

The prime minister 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 statement.

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

The meeting was attended by Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Dr Musadik Malik, Jam Kamal Khan, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, Governor State Bank Jameel Ahmad, chief secretaries of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and other senior officials.

During the briefing, the participants were informed about ongoing efforts to introduce modern mining and gemstone processing techniques.

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

Pieces of land had already been identified for the establishment of such centers in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while work was underway to identify a site in Islamabad.