Islamabad, Pakistan — January 10, 2026 — The Government of Pakistan has revealed that the country holds an estimated $450 billion worth of gemstones and precious stones, prompting approval of a new National Policy Framework aimed at transforming the sector into a major engine for export-led growth.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a high-level meeting chaired on Friday, granted principled approval to the framework designed to harness the nation’s vast gemstone potential through systematic development, regulation, and international market integration.
Untapped Wealth and Export Potential
Despite the enormous reserves — which include valued gemstones like emeralds, rubies, topaz, aquamarine and peridot — Pakistan’s annual gemstone exports currently stand at a mere $5.8 million.
Officials and industry analysts have noted that the new framework aims to address key structural issues such as poor geological mapping, limited processing capacity, and lack of international-standard certification — factors that have long hampered foreign exchange earnings from this sector.
National Policy Framework: Key Objectives
The approved framework sets out multiple priority initiatives for 2026 and beyond:
- Comprehensive Geological Surveys to accurately map the location, quality and economic value of gemstone deposits across Pakistan.
- Establishment of Two Centers of Excellence this year to promote high-quality processing, training, and value-addition research.
- Creation of international testing laboratories and a formal certification and warranty regime to strengthen global trust in “Brand Pakistan.”
- Promoting legal trade channels to curb smuggling and boost export formalization.
- Encouraging private sector participation, especially among young entrepreneurs, to spark innovation and job-creation.
Export Goals and Economic Impact
Under the new policy, the government aims to grow gemstone and precious stone exports to $1 billion within the next five years — a dramatic increase from the current figures.
Experts argue that greater gemstone sector exports could significantly enhance Pakistan’s foreign exchange receipts, supporting broader macroeconomic stability amid ongoing economic reforms.
Strategic Importance and Future Outlook
The policy also reflects Pakistan’s intent to integrate its mineral wealth into the global supply chain, attract foreign direct investment, and align with international gemstone trade standards.
Government insiders indicate that the policy will be accompanied by targeted incentives for investment, modernization of mining technology, and enhanced regulatory clarity to make the sector competitive on the world stage.
