Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources (MPNR) has prepared a comprehensive strategy on mining, cutting, polishing and marketing of gemstones with a view to enhance export.
Gemstones are considered as valuable minerals generally. High quality precious gemstones found in the country, including emerald, ruby sapphire and topaz etc. are most valuable.
Constitutionally, minerals other than nuclear are a provincial subject. The federal government is mandated with geological surveys, national policies, plans formulation and coordination at national and international levels, official sources said.
Geological Survey of Pakistan has made preliminary geological exploration on various gemstone occurrences in the country which are in process of production by the local people, sources added.