Gemstone Potential Key to Boosting Exports: PM Shehbaz
— January 26, 2026
ISLAMABAD (AIA) Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has stressed harnessing the country’s precious gemstone reserves to maximize export earnings. Chairing a meeting on gemstone promotion, he directed provinces and governments of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to collaborate on developing the industry.
The PM instructed officials to hire international experts for proposed gemstone centers in Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, and complete the Islamabad center by August next year. He emphasized using latest technology and value addition to boost exports. A location has been identified for the Islamabad center, offering value addition services, certification, and trade facilities. Geo-fencing scientific roadmap for gemstones is also underway.