Pakistan Gems and Jewellery
Development Company

Mr. Shahid Iqbal Qureshi
Chairman, PGJDC Board

Pakistan is endowed with immense natural wealth. Our gemstone resources alone are among the best and largest in the world. These resources represent enormous potential but they can only be translated into real value through smart policies and strong institutions that actively work to advance innovation, efficiency, and value creation. At present, about 4 million citizens of Pakistan are directly and indirectly engaged in the gems and jewelry (G&J) sector. However, the sector presently contributes only a meager share to the national wealth, especially the export value of the G&J sector is well below its true potential. How can we develop this sector for the benefit and wellbeing of our people is the key question and remains our common mission and goal.

Pakistan Gems and Jewelry Development Company (PGJDC) is committed to work with the industry stakeholders across all geographical regions of the country to improve industry-wide practices from mine to market, especially aiming at sustainable mining, value added manufacturing of jewelry and exports, and international competitiveness. Since its establishment in 2006, PGJDC has contributed substantially to improving the policy environment, upgrading of skills and technology and, together with other institutional partners, such as the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), promoting trade and exports. While we take pride in our past achievements, we also know that many more opportunities are in front of us to improve the sector performance. This is only possible with collective wisdom, combined knowledge and concerted efforts of all the stakeholders, including the government agencies, business and sector leaders, mining and trade associations, technical institutions, communities, and development support organizations.

I am honored to take the helm as the new Chair of the Board of Directors of PGJDC. I am grateful to my fellow Directors for reposing their trust in me, and all those pioneers who came before us, and laid a strong foundation for us to build on further. The theme for my term as chairperson is, “Innovation and Co-creation”. Let’s work together as stakeholders and custodians of the natural treasures of our country, and pool our knowledge, expertise and practical initiatives to ensure growth, equity and vitality in this sector, for the benefit of our people and for the coming generations.