The federal government of Pakistan has unveiled plans to boost the country’s gemstone exports by $1 billion over the next four to five years as part of a comprehensive gems and jewellery policy. An initial draft of the 2027–2030 policy has been prepared and will be shared with stakeholders for consultation, aiming to modernize the sector and align it with international standards.
The policy outlines training for around 3,500 workers to develop skilled human resources and proposes organising 320 international and 1,000 domestic exhibitions to promote Pakistani gemstones globally. Value addition of Rs624 million is projected through gemstone centres, supported by 48 modern machines for processing, with a total budget of Rs9.78 billion allocated over the next four years.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given in-principle approval to the National Policy Framework for gemstones, directing timely implementation of sectoral reforms, export promotion, and adoption of modern technology. Geological surveys are to map and value gemstone reserves, and international-standard laboratories and certification systems will be established.
Two model Centers of Excellence for gemstones will be set up this year, with guidance from international experts to remove policy obstacles. The prime minister emphasised that despite Pakistan’s vast gemstone reserves, exports remain negligible, and encouraged private investment, particularly from young entrepreneurs, to capitalize on the sector’s potential.
