The federal government has approved the National Gemstone Policy 2026-2030 in an effort to formalize Pakistan’s gemstone industry, increase exports, and unlock an estimated $450 billion worth of precious and semi-precious mineral resources.
The policy was approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) and is designed to transform a sector where more than 95 percent of trade currently takes place through informal channels, leading to weak regulation, low exports, and significant foreign exchange losses.
According to the Ministry of Industries and Production, Pakistan possesses some of the world’s largest gemstone reserves but officially exports only $5 million to $7 million worth of gemstones each year, accounting for just 0.3 percent of global gemstone trade.
The government aims to increase annual gemstone exports to around $500 million by 2030 through industry formalization, value addition, international certification and improved access to global markets.
National Gemstone Authority to regulate the sector
A key component of the policy is the creation of a statutory National Gemstone Authority by merging the Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company, including its staff and assets.
The new authority will regulate the industry, maintain a national business registry, oversee certification and traceability systems, facilitate trade, and implement the policy nationwide.
New certification system for exports
To improve the credibility of Pakistani gemstone exports, the government will establish a National Warranty Office responsible for inspecting, valuing, certifying, and sealing gemstone export consignments.
The office will work closely with Pakistan Customs, the Pakistan Single Window, banks, and courier companies to streamline export procedures and reduce trade disputes.
Also read: Government Plans to Set Up New Gemstone Authority
Measures to modernize the gemstone industry
The policy introduces minimum export price benchmarks and Pakistan-specific Harmonized System (HS) codes to discourage under-invoicing and improve trade documentation.
A National Gemstone Business Registry will also connect traders with customs authorities, banks, and certification agencies to strengthen transparency across the industry.
The government also plans to modernize gemstone mining and processing by expanding cutting and polishing facilities, launching machinery rental pools, developing demonstration mines, improving skills training, facilitating access to mining equipment and allowing licensed miners controlled access to explosives.
In addition, the policy encourages the import of rough gemstones and modern processing equipment to increase domestic value addition and improve export competitiveness.
Global branding and implementation
The government plans to introduce a unified Pakistani gemstone brand backed by international certification, overseas marketing campaigns and participation in global trade exhibitions to strengthen Pakistan’s position in international gemstone markets.
Implementation of the policy will be supervised by a steering committee headed by the Minister for Industries and Production, while the proposed National Gemstone Authority is expected to become financially self-sustaining through service charges and regulatory fees.
The National Gemstone Policy was initially approved in principle by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in January 2026. After consultations with provincial governments, regulators, financial institutions and industry stakeholders, the final policy has now been endorsed with broad institutional support.
