Govt to Unlock Hidden $450 Billion With First-Ever International Gemstone Expo

Pakistan will host its first international gemstone exhibition in July 2026 as the government moves to unlock the country’s vast but underutilized mineral potential.

Pakistan holds an estimated $450 billion worth of gemstone reserves, yet annual exports remain at just $5.8 million.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting to review plans for developing the sector, including the establishment of three gemstone centers to improve value addition and bring local processing up to international standards.

The government plans to set up Centers of Excellence for cutting, polishing, and preparing gemstones for jewelry production, aiming to shift from raw exports to higher-value finished products.

Land has already been identified for two centers in Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while a third location is being finalized in Islamabad.

The upcoming exhibition in July is expected to attract international buyers and investors, positioning Pakistan as a growing player in the global gemstone market. The push is part of a broader strategy to monetize natural resources, as Pakistan faces fiscal pressures and looks to diversify export earnings.

In January 2026, the government approved its first national policy framework for gems and precious stones, targeting a sharp increase in exports to $1 billion within five years.

Authorities are also introducing modern mining and processing techniques, along with low waste extraction practices to improve efficiency and sustainability.

The government has also started training 1,000 individuals in internationally standardized gemstone mining methods to build a skilled workforce for the sector.

Over the past two years, Pakistan has increased engagement with global partners, hosting mineral conferences and signing agreements with countries including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and China to attract investment.