Pakistan’s government has taken a major step toward revitalizing one of the country’s most under-utilized economic resources by approving a National Policy Framework aimed at reforming the gemstones and precious stones industry.
The decision came directly from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who granted approval during an official review meeting on January 9, 2026, in Islamabad. The new framework is part of a broader effort to unlock the rich potential of Pakistan’s gemstone reserves and bring them into the global market in a “formal, structured and internationally-aligned” way.
Officials and industry observers say Pakistan is blessed with gemstones such as emeralds, rubies, sapphires, peridot and topaz, yet export figures have remained extremely low for years, largely due to weak documentation and outdated business practices.
Under the new framework, the government plans to overhaul key areas of the sector. These reforms include:
Establishing international-standard testing laboratories to improve quality and credibility
Setting up a formal certification regime to verify gemstones for global buyers
Launching specialized Centers of Excellence aimed at boosting innovation and skills
Creating a statutory authority to coordinate policy, streamline regulation and attract investment
Operating a National Warranty Office to support exports with transparent certification and documentation services
Officials also committed to conducting a detailed geological survey to accurately measure the value of Pakistan’s gemstone deposits. The prime minister said funding will be released immediately to begin these activities.
In its statement announcing the move, the government said the framework aims to “reform Pakistan’s gemstones and precious stones sector and align it with international standards.”
Pakistan’s current gemstone exports amount to only a few million dollars annually, despite analysts estimating the country’s reserves could be worth hundreds of billions globally. Reformers believe the new framework could raise exports to $1 billion within five years if the reforms are implemented swiftly.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, has led consultations with experts and stakeholders as part of policy development. He highlighted the importance of value-addition, targeted financing, streamlined export procedures and improved regulatory oversight to make the sector competitive internationally.
The government said this policy will make Pakistan’s gemstone industry more attractive to private sector participation, boost formal exports and help generate new jobs.
