ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Friday met leading gemstone exporter Barneby Plowright to discuss the formulation of Pakistan’s National Gemstones Policy aimed at formalising and regulating the sector.
During the meeting, both sides explored policy measures to strengthen Pakistan’s gemstone industry through legal reforms, documentation, and global collaboration. The special assistant also visited Plowright’s gemstone facility in Islamabad, where he was briefed on the diamond polishing, grading, and packaging process.
Haroon Akhtar said the policy, being prepared on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, would grant industry status to gemstone exporters, enabling better regulation and facilitating exporters and manufacturers.
He noted that the largely undocumented gemstone trade is estimated at about USD 2 billion and that bringing it into the formal economy could generate significant revenue for the country.
The draft policy, expected to be finalised within a month, will incorporate international best practices and successful global models. Haroon Akhtar said Pakistan is endowed with some of the world’s finest quality gemstones and emphasised the importance of leveraging this potential through structured policy support and professional training.
He appreciated the technical expertise and innovation demonstrated by private sector stakeholders and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing a transparent, competitive, and export-oriented gemstone industry.
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