Gemstones pilot project: PM expresses displeasure over slow progress
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed displeasure over delays in a pilot project to develop the country’s gemstones sector and ordered officials to submit a comprehensive, time-bound action plan next week to accelerate development and boost exports.
Chairing a review meeting on measures to develop the country’s gemstones sector and boost exports, the prime minister stressed that the sector’s development was a priority and that delays in implementing related initiatives would not be tolerated.
He directed the relevant authorities to remove all obstacles to pilot projects and model mines and ensure their early completion.
He also called for the establishment of centres of excellence to promote value addition through improved mining, cutting and polishing techniques.
Sharif said Pakistan was blessed with abundant natural resources but was losing billions of dollars annually because of substandard mining practices and the smuggling of precious stones.
He called for the development of a complete ecosystem for the sector, covering exploration, mining, cutting, polishing and preparation for export, to maximise the value of the country’s gemstone resources.
The prime minister also directed officials to develop a “Brand Pakistan” for gemstones, following the example of other countries in the region, and to take priority measures to increase exports by tapping the country’s extensive reserves of precious stones and minerals.
During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on progress towards a pilot project covering gemstone exploration, processing, value addition and export preparation.
They said 4.8 kanals of land had been transferred for a proposed centre of excellence in Hussainabad, Skardu, and that funding for the project was available, with construction expected to begin soon.
Land had also been identified for similar facilities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad.
Officials said the Islamabad centre would be made fully operational at an alternative location until its permanent facility was completed.
The meeting was further informed that geological mapping of identified gemstone-bearing areas had been completed.
Eight new blocks in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been identified for further exploration.
The government has allocated Rs1 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the sector’s development this year, officials said.
To facilitate exporters, export facilitation desks have also been established at 80 branches of 10 banks across seven cities.
Sharif directed the relevant authorities to present a comprehensive plan next week, setting out clear timelines for establishing centres of excellence and implementing measures to develop the sector.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Economic affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, attended the meeting, along with Prime Minister’s Adviser Haroon Akhtar on industries and production, State Minister for Finance Bilal Kiani and senior officials.