Pakistan is preparing to host its first international gemstone exhibition in July 2026 as part of efforts to develop its mineral sector and boost exports. The event is expected to bring foreign buyers, investors, and industry experts to the country.
The country has large gemstone reserves, estimated at around $450 billion, but current exports are very low at about $5.8 million per year. Officials say this gap shows the need for better processing and marketing of local stones.
The plan was reviewed in a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He directed work on improving value addition in the sector instead of exporting raw stones at low prices.
The government is setting up three gemstone Centers of Excellence to improve cutting, polishing, and jewelry preparation. These centers will help local workers meet international standards. Two sites have already been selected in Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while the third location is being finalized in Islamabad.
The initiative is part of a wider national strategy approved in January 2026, which aims to raise gemstone exports to $1 billion within five years. Authorities are also introducing modern mining methods and low-waste extraction techniques to improve efficiency.
In addition, 1,000 people are being trained in professional gemstone mining and processing skills to build a skilled workforce.
Pakistan has also increased international cooperation in the mineral sector, signing agreements with countries including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and China to attract investment and technical support.
