Bureaucratic tactics affect gemstone industry

ISLAMABAD - The business community related to gemstone industry is facing unprecedented downfall, thanks to the moneymakers in Pakistan Customs Department.

Some leading gemstone dealers and businessmen, including exporters and online order suppliers told TheNation that unnecessary hurdles created by the Customs Department are responsible for the rapid decline of gemstone industry in Pakistan.

The recent decline in gemstone business has deprived many people of their jobs without any alternative mode of earning in far-flung areas of the country where precious stones are found in abundance.

Imran Khalil, a leading gemstone exporter and international supplier, hailing from NWFP told TheNation that Pakistan is a breed of very precious and expensive stones that are found in Northern Areas, mountainous terrains of NWFP, Balochistan and the areas bordering with Iran and Afghanistan. “Currently, Pakistan exports Peridot, Aquamarine, Kunzite, Tourmalijne, Ruby, Lepis and several other precious stones to rest of the world, including Central Asia, Iran Turkey, and European region,” Imran mentioned.