The Ministry of Commerce has endorsed a proposal to establish a dedicated Minerals Division, aiming to bring Pakistan’s vast but underdeveloped gemstone resources under a unified regulatory and policy framework.
The Ministry believes that a separate Minerals Division — modeled after the Petroleum Division — would enable specialized oversight, institutional reform, and coordinated decision-making between the federal and provincial governments through the Council of Common Interests (CCI).
Pakistan’s gemstone reserves, found mainly in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, include emeralds, rubies, aquamarines, and topaz. Despite this abundance, the country’s gemstone exports stand at just $5–7 million annually, largely due to unregulated mining, smuggling, and a lack of value addition.
The Commerce Ministry said a dedicated Gems Development Authority could formalize the sector by introducing modern mining standards, gemstone certification, and international marketing mechanisms. The Authority would also enhance training in cutting and polishing, promote environmentally responsible extraction, and attract foreign investment.
While the Commerce Division supports the proposal for a Gems Authority under its administrative purview due to its trade facilitation role, it acknowledged that mining-related functions may be better managed by a specialized Minerals Division.
The Ministry of Industries and Production has also shown interest in managing the sector, citing its experience in integrated industrial development and its linkages with vocational training programs and mineral-based industries.
During a recent meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce, MNA Gul Asghar proposed creating a full-fledged Minerals Division to coordinate federal and provincial policies and regulate mineral exploration, extraction, and export.
According to the Commerce Ministry, such a Division could collaborate closely with the Geological Survey of Pakistan, enforce compliance with mining regulations, and promote sustainable development practices.
It added that a formalized structure could potentially increase gemstone exports tenfold over the next decade, transforming Pakistan’s minerals sector into a vibrant source of revenue, jobs, and international trade.
