Ahmed Khan Malik

The Balochistan government has started implementing projects for mining, processing and marketing of precious stones for socio-economic uplift of the province, said Mustafa Buledi, Director of Mines & Minerals Department, while talking to WealthPK. He said Balochistan has an abundance of precious stones and these projects would gather pace after the formation of a new government. The Chaghi district of this southwestern province is rich in Chrysocolla, Malachite, Azurite, Turquoise, Grossularite, Garnet, Brown Garnet, Zircon, Obsidian, Jade, Jasper, Pyrolusite, Lazurite, Lapis Lazuli and Spar. It also has varicolored Agate, Chrysoprase, Chalcedony, Geodes, Citrine and Smoky Quartz. Likewise, Zhob abounds in Vesuvianite, Serpentine and Idocrase, Wad in Green Quartz and Lasbela and Kharan in Citrine, Smoky Quartz and Jasper. The Gems and Jewelry Training and Manufacturing Centre (GJTMC), Quetta has been carrying out the training and manufacturing task to tap the province’s vast potential.

The GJTMC, a project of Pakistan Gems and Jewelry Development Company, Ministry of Industry and Production, has started offering courses under CBT (Competency Based Training) through a special training fund for Sindh and Balochistan. The fund was set up by the TVET Sector Support Program, funded by the European Union and Germany and Norwegian governments. The fund prepares young people for the labour market. The fund supports training institutes in developing and providing tailor-made programs for the enterprises. The objective is to facilitate the training of 18,000 men and women in Sindh and Balochistan and assist them in finding employment after graduation. Speaking to WealthPK, Bashir Agha, Pakistan Gems and Jewelry (MoIP, GoP), and Project Coordinator of Training Fund Program, said, “Balochistan is a land of precious gems like Peridot, Ruby, Topaz, Quartz and Amethyst. These assets should be represented not only at the national but also at the international level by giving proper training and skills to the unemployed youth.”

“Designed while keeping in mind the market demand, the courses equip the trainees with enough knowledge to either work in any enterprise or start their own business. Simple identification of a gemstone by an expert costs Rs200, while certification and report costs Rs1,000. A trainee, especially a female, can earn by identifying a gemstone from home,” said Bashir Agha.  According to Agha, he has held 13 exhibitions in Balochistan and two abroad. Besides, he also participates in exhibitions organized in other cities of Pakistan to gain knowledge and share it with the students. He has also developed business linkages and created opportunities for the students trained at his institute, which benefits the overall industry engagement process.

Credit: INP-WealthPk