‎Pakistan is exploring a five-year strategic framework to unlock its estimated $450 billion gemstone reserves, a move that could significantly strengthen exports, attract investment, and support long-term economic diversification.

‎The country hosts a wide range of high-value gemstones—including emeralds, rubies, sapphires, topaz, aquamarine, and tourmaline—mainly found in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Balochistan. Despite this natural advantage, the sector remains underutilized, with much of the value lost due to raw exports, informal trade, and limited processing capacity.

‎A Shift Toward Value Creation

‎According to policy discussions, the government’s proposed plan focuses on transitioning from raw gemstone extraction to value-added production, including cutting, polishing, certification, and branding. The goal is to integrate Pakistan into the global gemstone value chain rather than remaining a low-margin supplier of unprocessed stones.

‎Key areas under consideration include:

‎Regulatory reforms to formalize the gemstone industry

‎Encouraging public-private partnerships and foreign investment

‎Development of modern processing and training centers

‎Skill enhancement for local miners and artisans

‎Improved documentation to curb smuggling and revenue leakage

‎If implemented effectively, these steps could enhance transparency and investor confidence while increasing foreign exchange inflows.

‎Economic and Regional Impact

‎The gemstone sector has strong potential to generate employment in remote and underserved regions, where mining activity already exists but lacks institutional support. Analysts believe the initiative could stimulate SME growth, promote regional development, and broaden Pakistan’s export portfolio beyond traditional sectors.

‎From a macroeconomic perspective, monetizing gemstones could help diversify revenue streams, reduce pressure on external accounts, and improve long-term economic resilience.

‎Global Market Perspective

‎The global gemstone and jewelry market continues to see steady demand across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. With proper quality control, traceability, and branding, Pakistan could position itself as a competitive and reliable supplier in international markets.

‎Final Thoughts

‎Pakistan’s gemstone reserves represent a largely untapped strategic asset. The government’s interest in a structured five-year development plan signals a shift toward smarter resource utilization. While execution risks remain, sustained reforms, investor-friendly policies, and technological adoption could turn this natural wealth into a meaningful contributor to economic growth.

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