Gov to register undocumented gemstone exports soon

November 21, 2025 (MLN): The government has warned that Pakistan is losing billions in potential revenue due to outdated mining practices and undocumented gemstone exports.

At a meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee on Gemstone Policy chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan and attended by Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani and Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Ihsan Afzaal.

Pakistan’s actual gemstone exports remain largely undocumented, with formal registration expected soon, said a press release issued

The Committee noted that nearly half of the country’s gemstone output is wasted because of obsolete mining methods, while 30–40% of precious stones are lost due to non-scientific blasting and drilling.

Members also pointed out that most gemstones are exported in raw form without value addition, significantly reducing Pakistan’s export potential.

 A lack of international cooperation and foreign investment was cited as another major hurdle.

Haroon Akhtar Khan stressed that modern mining technologies can substantially enhance both production and exports. He added that comprehensive value addition could multiply earnings, noting that Pakistan’s undocumented export potential stands at $2 billion, compared to only $7 million formally recorded.

He further expressed concern over undocumented nephrite exports and directed stakeholders to prepare a clear five-year export analysis for the gemstone sector.

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