PM Furious Over Delays in Gemstone Projects

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed displeasure over delays in a pilot project for Pakistan's gemstone sector and stalled development initiatives.

Key points

• They remarked 4.8 kanals of land had been transferred for a center of excellence in Hussainabad, Skardu, with funding available and construction anticipated to commence shortly.
• Land has additionally been identified for projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad.
• 1 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme for the sector this year.
• Chairing a session on Wednesday, the prime minister stated developing the gemstone and jewelry sector was a priority and that delays would not be tolerated.
• He pressed an ecosystem covering gemstone mining, cutting, polishing and value addition, saying poor mining practices and smuggling cost Pakistan billions of dollars annually.

He pressed an ecosystem covering gemstone mining, cutting, polishing and value addition, saying poor mining practices and smuggling cost Pakistan billions of dollars annually. NAB Recovers Rs. 21.85 Billion Worth of Railways Land.

Sharif directed authorities to develop a "Brand Pakistan" strategy for gemstones, modeled on initiatives in other countries in the region, and accelerate aims to establish centers of excellence for value addition.

He additionally ordered the removal of obstacles delaying pilot projects and model gemstone mines.

Authorities briefed the gathering on progress in a pilot project covering gemstone exploration, cutting, polishing, value addition and export preparation.

Land has additionally been identified for projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad. Authorities stated the Islamabad center would become fully operational at an alternative location until its permanent facility is built.

Meanwhile, the session was informed that geological mapping of identified gemstone areas had been completed, with eight new blocks in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa identified for further exploration. New PSX Traders Prefer One Stock.

Notably, the administration has allocated Rs. 1 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme for the sector this year. To facilitate exporters, export facilitation desks have additionally been established at 80 branches of 10 banks throughout seven cities.

Sharif directed authorities to submit a comprehensive, time-bound plan next week covering the establishment of centers of excellence and other measures to develop the sector and rise exports. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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Taken together, the developments around PM Furious Over Delays in Gemstone Projects point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.