Govt asked to set up gemstone complex in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: The three-day Gems and Minerals Show concluded here Sunday with a renewed pledge to promote precious and semi-precious stone business and encourage the people affiliated to this sector.
Organised by Gemological Association of Pakistan (GAP) at Nishtar Hall, the show was aimed at restoring the trust of those trading in precious and semi-precious stone. It was to pass on a message to the world community that there is complete peace and stability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in Peshawar.
The show was held with a view to attract foreign investors and strengthen contracts for traders, creating cordial environment for marketing of mines in KP and adjacent tribal areas and enhancing the export of precious and semi-precious stones.
A large number of visitors, buyers including foreigners visited the show where precious stones like emerald, ruby, topaz, zircon, tourmaline and sapphire were on display at more than 100 stalls set up at the venue.
Briefing reporters, Shakeel Waheedullah, GAP chairman, said the main objectives of the show were to encourage the traders and restore the trust of buyers from inland as well as abroad that peace had been restored to KP and Fata.
He said the provincial capital was the major market for the precious and semi-precious in the province and its adjacent tribal areas and neighbouring Afghanistan.
Shakeel Waheedullah said KP, Fata and Afghanistan were rich in mines and mineral resources.
“The mines treasure of the region would usher in an era of prosperity to the country if properly exploited and marketed,” he added. He said the event succeeded to a greater extent in achieving its goals and pledged to arrange such events regularly.
Shakeel Waheedullah said that ambassadors of about 50 foreign countries were extended invitations, but unfortunately they couldn’t turn up due to complications in getting non-objection certificates.
He appreciated the provincial and district governments, police, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry for help and cooperation in holding the event.
He said the show was successfully organised with cooperation of Pakistan Gems and Jewellry Development Centre, Peshawar Gems and Minerals Trade Union, Gems and Jewellry Centre of Excellence University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) and KP Culture directorate.
GAP Vice-Chairman Hamid Usman briefed reporters about different types and areas in the province, where precious and semi-precious stones were available. He said that Swat emerald, Mardan topaz, Gilgit-Baltistan sapphire had no match in the world. “The KP and Fata are rich in mineral resources, which needed proper cutting, polishing, and marketing,” he added.
The GAP recommended to the government to construct an international standard gemstone complex in Peshawar, establish a separate directorate or authority for gemstone, introduce BS and MS level classes for diploma holders in gemstone studies, provide machinery and interest-free loan to diploma holders, set up special cell in Pakistan’s embassies and high commissions abroad for marketing of mines and minerals.
It also asked the government to facilitate gemstone traders at airports, install sign boards and information about mines and minerals at airports, railways stations and highways and improve Pakistan Postal Service on patron of private currier services.