President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari has appreciated the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s instructions to relevant authorities to prepare a strategy for gemstone mining in the Gilgit-Baltistan region within a month to minimize unnecessary wastage and enhance export revenue from precious stones, highlighting his government’s interest in launching a pilot project in Gilgit-Baltistan to align the gemstone mining, cutting and value addition with international standards, assuring federal government’s full support to GB government in this regard.

ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari in a statement on Monday said that under his leadership, the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry is tirelessly working to promote economic activities in Pakistan, with a focus on ease of doing business and unlocking the country’s vast tourism potential. He highlighted the success of the recent 2nd ICCI International Tourism Summit in Skardu, which brought together diplomats, business leaders and media representatives to explore opportunities in the sector.

Bakhtawari noted that the diplomatic community not only praised the tourism potential of Gilgit-Baltistan but assured its support in promoting the region’s attractions to their respective countries. He emphasized the need to tap into Pakistan’s significant gemstone reserves, particularly in the northern and northwestern regions, which boast high-quality stones like peridot, aquamarine, topaz, ruby, and emerald. However, he pointed out that 80% of Pakistan’s gemstone exports are in raw form, highlighting the need for internationally recognized certifications to enhance the industry’s development and increase national exports and employment opportunities.

Bakhtawari further emphasized ICCI’s commitment to exploring new trade and business relations with friendly countries, working closely with their envoys to benefit the business community, people, and governments of all nations involved.