PM’s task force mulls ways to promote gems, jewellery sector

ISLAMABAD: The prime minister’s task force on gems & jewellery held its first meeting under the chairmanship of Engineer Gul Asghar Khan at Petroleum House, Islamabad today.

The task force comprises of industry experts of international standing including Focal Person Overseas Pakistanis & HRD Mr Atif Iqbal, Co-Chairman of Task Force/CEO Aqua Gems Mr Zeeshan Khan, director general (mineral) petroleum division, provincial secretaries of mines & minerals departments from gemstone rich provinces, members from academia, the business community, ministries of commerce and industries & production, State Bank of Pakistan, Federal Board of Revenue, Board of Investment and Capital Development Authority. 

The task force is mandated to coordinate and facilitate the development of gems and jewellery sector in the country. 

In a meeting held today, the task force chairman highlighted the potential of gemstones found in Pakistan, the problems faced by the industry, and the need to develop an investor-friendly working environment to realize the real worth of these natural endowments. 

The Chairman particularly mentioned the Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision to enhance the exports of gemstones and jewellery to its maximum potential. 

The task force underlined the need for ease of doing business and one-window operation for the investors and development of a model Gemstone & Jewelry City in Islamabad. The participants of the task force meeting presented their views on the economic significance and employment potential of this sector in rural areas and facilitation required for sector growth to enhance its contribution to exports. The business groups highlighted the importance of regulating the e-commerce of gemstones as well as facilitation for trading of gemstones. 

The task force constituted working groups for focused deliberations on various terms of reference. The participants from the business community appreciated the initiative of the government to bring all relevant stakeholders on one forum to discuss the issues of the gemstones sector and resolve the same through coordinated efforts and uniform policy interventions. The task force would present its recommendations within 60 days.