By Abdul Ghani
The government has decided to bring back the 2013 Import and Export of Precious Metals, Jewellery, and Gemstones Regulations in an effort to revive Pakistan’s gemstone and jewellery trade, improve export potential, and stop illegal trading in the sector.
According to official documents reviewed by this reporter, Pakistan, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has directed that a summary for restoring the 2013 framework be presented to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) for approval.
Pakistan Gemstone Export Policy 2025 and Its Economic Impact
The 2013 regulations — issued under SRO 760(I)/2013 — were first introduced to create a transparent system for importing and exporting gold, silver, platinum, and gemstones. The rules required proper certification, registration, and documentation to ensure fair trading practices.
However, when the framework was suspended in later years, it led to irregularities, under-invoicing, and a steep fall in formal exports. Bringing it back is now viewed as an important step to restore order, standard procedures, and investor trust in the gems and jewellery sector.
Lawmakers Push for New Gemstone Regulatory Authority
Meanwhile, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce has suggested setting up a regulatory authority to supervise gemstone mining, processing, certification, and export. The purpose is to ensure responsible mining, improve regulation, and guarantee that Pakistani gemstones meet global standards of quality and authenticity.
Pakistan’s Untapped Gemstone Potential
Lawmakers have recommended that this new authority be placed under the Commerce Division for smoother coordination and easier export procedures.
Pakistan has rich reserves of emeralds, rubies, aquamarines, topaz, and other valuable stones, mostly found in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. Yet, despite this natural advantage, the country’s gemstone exports are currently limited to just $5–7 million a year — far below their potential.
Experts Expect Job Growth and Foreign Investment
Experts believe that restoring the 2013 import-export regulations, along with forming a specialised regulatory authority, could help increase exports, create jobs, and attract foreign investment in gemstone cutting, polishing, and jewellery manufacturing.
If the ECC approves the proposal, the return of the 2013 regulations is expected to formalise the gemstone and jewellery trade, reduce smuggling, and help Pakistan strengthen its foothold in international markets such as China, Thailand, and key European countries.
Author Profile
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Abdul Ghani is a sharp analyst focused on Pakistan's industrial transformation. His reporting reveals the textile sector's pivot from basic cotton to high-growth value-added apparel.
Ghani's work underscores the triumph of knitwear and garments in boosting exports, while warning policymakers to tackle energy costs to secure long-term global competitiveness.
