PAKISTAN is home to a wealth of gemstones, from aquamarine and emeralds to rubies, tourmaline, and topaz. Despite these rich resources, the gemstone sector remains underdeveloped. Challenges like a lack of value addition, illegal trade, and limited market access hinder its growth. However, with the right strategies, Pakistan has the potential to become a global leader in the gemstone industry.

Emeralds from Swat and Kohistan are renowned for their vibrant green colour, while rubies and sapphires from Gilgit-Baltistan are in high demand due to their exceptional clarity and colour. However, many of these gemstones are exported raw or minimally processed, which limits their market value. Pakistan also produces tourmaline and topaz in a variety of colours, including green, pink, yellow, and blue. These stones are in demand globally but are undervalued due to limited cutting and polishing........

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