Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed displeasure over delays in gemstone sector projects and directed officials to accelerate development work, warning that further delays would not be tolerated.

Chairing a meeting on Wednesday, Sharif said developing Pakistan’s gemstone and jewelry industry was a government priority. He called for an integrated system covering mining, cutting, polishing and value addition to increase exports and reduce losses caused by poor mining practices and smuggling.

The prime minister directed officials to develop a “Brand Pakistan” strategy for gemstones and speed up plans to establish centers of excellence for processing and value addition. He also ordered the removal of hurdles affecting pilot projects and model gemstone mines.

Officials briefed the meeting on a pilot project covering gemstone exploration, processing and export preparation.

They said 4.8 kanals of land had been transferred in Hussainabad, Skardu, for a center of excellence. Funding is available, and construction is expected to begin soon.

Land has also been identified for similar facilities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad. Until its permanent facility is ready, the Islamabad center will operate from an alternative location.

The meeting was informed that geological mapping of identified gemstone areas had been completed. Eight new blocks in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been identified for further exploration.

The government has allocated Rs. 1 billion for the sector under this year’s Public Sector Development Programme.

To facilitate exports, dedicated export facilitation desks have been established at 80 branches of 10 banks across seven cities.

Sharif directed the relevant authorities to submit a comprehensive, time-bound plan next week covering the establishment of centers of excellence and other measures to develop the industry and increase gemstone exports.