ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that for the first time in the 74 years of history of the country, the minerals and gems sector is being restructured into an export industry.

Chairing a meeting of gems, jewellery, and minerals task force in Islamabad today (Wednesday) Imran Khan said the government is transforming the traditional techniques in the minerals and gems sector by introducing the latest technology.

The Prime Minister was apprised of the restructuring of the gems, jewellery and minerals sector and the recommendations over the proposed mineral city.

The meeting was informed that Pakistan has the capacity to export precious gems worth 5 billion dollars annually. 

The transformation of the sector will have positive effect on the country’s economy, besides generating huge employment opportunities.

The meeting was also informed that Pakistan has around 99 different precious gems reserves, making the country the eighth biggest country in the world in terms of its production.

The Prime Minister directed that all these resources should be tapped and effectively utilized through a mechanism by removing the bottlenecks for the investors.