Pakistan is preparing to host its first-ever international gemstone exhibition in July 2026, an initiative aimed at highlighting the country’s immense yet largely untapped mineral resources. The event is expected to attract global investors, traders, and industry experts, offering Pakistan an opportunity to present the true potential of its gemstone sector on an international stage.
Despite possessing an estimated $450 billion worth of gemstone reserves, the country’s export figures remain strikingly low, currently hovering around $5.8 million annually. This gap reflects longstanding challenges such as limited value addition, outdated mining practices, and a lack of modern processing facilities, which have prevented Pakistan from fully capitalizing on its natural wealth.
To address these issues, the government has announced plans to establish three state-of-the-art Centers of Excellence dedicated to gemstone cutting, polishing, and processing. These facilities are intended to improve product quality, enhance competitiveness, and ensure compliance with international standards, enabling Pakistani gemstones to secure a stronger foothold in global markets.
In parallel, training programs are being introduced to equip workers with advanced skills in modern and sustainable mining techniques. By developing a more skilled workforce, authorities hope to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and promote responsible extraction practices across the sector.
With the introduction of a new national gemstone policy, Pakistan is setting its sights on significantly boosting exports in the coming years. Officials believe that through strategic investment, improved infrastructure, and a focus on value addition, the country can transform its gemstone industry into a major contributor to economic growth and foreign exchange earnings.
