World recognises effective Pak strategy against corona: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday congratulated the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) members, Ehsaas team and the State Bank of Pakistan for effective response to COVID-19 pandemic and above all thanks to the mercy of Almighty Allah.

The premier tweeted, “Congratulations to NCOC members, Ehsaas team and State Bank of Pakistan for effective response to COVID 19 pandemic; above all thanks to the mercy of Almighty Allah.”

A study was also shared on his Twitter account, which says that Pakistan is third after Hong Kong and New Zealand for effectively handling the pandemic and related issues. In its Global Normalcy Index, The Economist magazine had ranked Pakistan at number three out of 50 countries that performed well in controlling the COVID-19 spread. The report showed that Pakistan’s neighbours, India and China, were ranked 48 and 19 with scores of 46.5 and 72.9 respectively. The United States stood at 20th in the ranking.

Earlier. Prime Minister Imran Khan said that for the first time in 74 years, Pakistan is going to turn gems, minerals and jewellery into an export industry.In this connection, Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a meeting of the James, Jewellery and Minerals Task Force, which was attended by Minister for Industries Khusro Bakhtiar, Special Assistant Dr Shahbaz Gill, Chairman Gems and Jewellery Task Force Engineer Gul Asghar Khan, Atif Khan, members of the task force and relevant senior officers.

During the meeting, recommendations were made to the prime minister on the restructuring of the Gems, Jewellery and Minerals Division of the Task Force and the proposed Mineral City. The meeting was informed that Pakistan has a potential of $5 billion annually in terms of exports of precious stones which will have a positive impact on the national economy and create millions of jobs. Pakistan currently has reserves of 99 types of precious stones and is the eighth largest producer in the world.

Moreover, according to conservative estimates, Pakistan consumes 200 tons of gold annually. With effective legislation and better management of this sector, it will be transformed into a major export industry.

The meeting was informed that gems and Jewellery has been given industry status and its implementation will be ensured as per the strategy of the task force. In order to increase exports, special attention will be given to export promotion for which assistance will also be sought from Pakistani embassies.

In addition, a Gems and Jewellery City will be set up to pool resources, provide one-stop operations to address the problems facing the sector and provide incentives to investors. Initially, a public-private partnership model will be adopted using existing resources. Pakistan will also receive sector-related certifications for access to international markets. It will not only clarify the standards of not only precious stones but also precious metals, but will bring the current standards up to international standards.

The meeting was also informed that despite the availability of research resources in this field, no significant progress has been made. According to the strategy, all modern standards will be introduced by activating the research sector.

The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the establishment of Mineral City. An area has been identified for the chemical and mineral industry in Pakistan where industrial value addition from crude minerals will not only help reduce imports but also increase foreign exchange from exports.

The prime minister said that the government was restructuring the sector with modern technology by changing the traditional practices of the minerals and precious stones sector. He directed that all the resources that are being wasted should be utilised and a regular schedule should be worked out for the implementation of this strategy as well as the existing barriers for investors should be removed.

Meanwhile, Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Member National Assembly Moonis Elahi and Federal Minister for Housing Tariq Bashir Cheema called on Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Minister for Planning Asad Umar and Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood also attended the meeting. Political situation in Punjab was discussed in the meeting. Besides, the provincial budget, peaceful budgeting and completion of the new Punjab Assembly building were also discussed. In a related development, former Sindh Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim called on Prime Minister Imran Khan.