Mr. Bashir Ahmed Abbasi - Pakistan Gems and Jewellery ...

Issue No: 5

Mr. Bashir Ahmed Abbasi
Chief Executive PGJDC
Company Management
This issue of PGJDC newsletter apprises the activities and endeavours of the company,
which have reached newer heights. The company is working wholeheartedly for the development
of the entire gems and jewellery industry of Pakistan from mine to market, from Karachi to
Skardu. It is critically essential for any industry to have an element of integration, synergy
and value addition in it, to make it a success in global scenario. PGJDC is currently working
on both fronts at once. Locally, the company is aggressively involved in promoting its Gems
& Jewellery Training and Manufacturing Centres, Gem Exchanges and Gem Identification
Laboratories. New courses are in line to be offered to the trade members and highly educated
faculty is being trained to perform this task. Gem Bazaars have been regularly organized in various cities and buyers
and sellers from throughout the country are being invited and facilitated to visit. Internationally, the company is
maintaining its presence in the international gems and jewellery exhibitions of Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dubai, Germany
and USA. Meetings have been held with gems and jewellery associations of these countries to begin bilateral coordination
and to further improve Pakistan’s participation in these exhibitions. Internationally acclaimed institutions like GIA will
be contacted for further training of the Company’s master trainers. Moreover, an honour of highest prestige was given
to the company when Mr.Asif Ali Zardari, President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, inaugurated Gems & Jewellery
Training and Manufacturing Centre, Karachi.
The company is also pursuing an endeavour to proactive technical support with Mobile Laboratories equipped
with an array of professional services that will allow partners/prospective business groups and individuals in remote
regions of the country. Such an effort is going to maximize their capacity while minimizing efforts to optimize managed
workplace for their needs. At the same time, the Company underlines the importance of business training and consulting,
which adds a revitalized strife to accelerate and simplify marketing efforts. In the end, we wish to emphasize the need
of trained trade members in our industry. Highly trained and professional stakeholders from the gems and jewellery
industry are an investment and the company wish to get its message across, inviting males and females from all over
the country to come and enroll in training courses. For all our students, our motto is: Enroll, examine, enable, energize
and establish.
Trade members and beneficiaries may also contact the following Company officials for information, facilitation and liaison.
Ms. Zeba Mumtaz
Company Secretary and
General Manager (Marketing & Quality Assurance)
PGJDC Head Office
M-3, Mezzanine Floor, Regent Plaza Hotel
& Convention Centre, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karachi
Tel: 021-35631395-7, E-mail: zeba@pgjdc.org
Karachi
Mr. Zafar-ul-Iman
Principal
Gems & Jewellery Training and Manufacturing Centre
Plot No. 15, SB-5, Opp. Bliss Shopping Centre,
Zaib-un-Nisa Street, Saddar, Karachi
Tel: 021-35220294-95
E-mail: gjtmc@pgjdc.org
Peshawar
Mr.Tahir-ul-Qasmi
Accounts & Admin Officer
Gem Exchange
Emaraat Hotel, Main Namak Mandi Chowk,
Namak Mandi, Peshawar
Tel: 091-2569153, 091-2569253
E-mail: tahirqasmi@pgjdc.org
Mr. Khalid Aziz
General Manager (Training and R&D)
PGJDC Training Office
Hamid Chambers
Zaibunnisa Street, Saddar, Karachi.
Tel: 021-35215518, 021- 34279884
E-mail: khalidaziz@pgjdc.org
Lahore
Mr. Zahid Rashid
Principal
Gems & Jewellery Training and Manufacturing Centre
3rd Floor, Rana Centre, 18 Jamal Uddin
Afghani/Maclagon Road, Lahore
Tel: 042-37248515-16
E-mail: zahid.rashid@pgjdc.org
Quetta
Mr. Bashir Agha
Accounts & Admin Officer
Gem Exchange
Jamiatrai Road, Opposite Rahat Cinema
Prince Road, Quetta
Tel: 081-2669567-68
E-mail: bashir@pgjdc.org
Gilgit
Mr. Abdul Rehman
Director GJTMC Gilgit
Gems & Jewellery Training and Manufacturing Centre
Zakir Complex, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam,
Opposite New Secretariat, Gilgit-Baltistan
Tel: 05811-920537-39
E-mail: arahman@pgjdc.org
Islamabad
Mr. Rashid Aftab
Manager Coordination
4th Floor (PIDC)
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industries
Mauve Area G-8/1,
Islamabad.
Tel: 051-7156956, 051-9262887, 051-2224125
E-mail: rashidaftab1@gmail.com
02

GJTMC Karachi inaugurated by:
Mr. Asif Ali Zardari
President of Pakistan
Mr. Asif Ali Zardari
formally opened the GJTMC
Karachi on the 17th of May
2010 at the Chief Minister
House, Karachi. The event
was organized by Pakistan
Gems and Jewellery
Development Company.
Representatives from all
Government Offices and
prominent members of the
industry and society
attended the event. These
included Governor Sindh
Mr. Isharat-ul-Ibad, Chief
Minister Sindh Mr. Qaim Ali
Shah, Federal Minister for
Industries and Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani and Federal Secretary Industries and Production Mr. Abdul
Ghaffar Soomro.
Speaking on the occasion, the President of Pakistan appreciated the efforts of PGJDC and encouraged its
initiatives in bringing the gems and jewellery sector to the forefront. He urged the tradesmen and businessmen
to come forward and do their part in supporting and establishing this industry. He said that it is time now to
act and exploit our vast natural gems resources and generate valuable foreign exchange from them. He noted
that the country is full of talented and creative individuals who have no outlets to polish their skills, and centers
like GJTMC provide the right atmosphere and opportunity for them.
GJMTC Karachi has been established by PGJDC for enhancing the capacity of the gems and jewellery trade
through skill development and technology up-gradation. The training center conducts a wide range of training
programs including gemstone identification, diamond grading, manual jewellery designing, computer aided
jewellery designing, computer aided jewellery manufacturing, cost time management and many other courses.
The center is proud to house state-of-the-art facilities related to gems and jewellery manufacturing and designing
aligned with international standards within its premises. Moreover, it has at its disposal, sophisticated and top
of the line equipment which includes Rapid Prototyping machine, faceting unit, carving unit, gemological
microscope and many more.
Additionally, the center provides the latest and most advanced training in jewellery design through world
recognized software such as Jewel CAD and MATRIX. Further, the institute is also proud to provide certification
in jewellery Pattern in wax, manual jewellery design, diamond grading, gems identification, gemstone faceting,
gemstone carving and cost/time management. The curriculum of these courses is approved by Sindh Board of
Technical Education. The GJTMC boasts of having a savoir-faire faculty which is second to none. Furthermore,
the center plans to develop a designing studio-library of gems and jewellery which would be one of its kind in
Pakistan. To boost fervor and to create awareness regarding jewellery and its designs, various exhibitions and
design contests are also in the offing. A sizeable number of trained individuals from GJTMC have either been
absorbed in the market or have their own enterprise in gems and jewellery manufacturing. In our quest to
propagate the latest technology in the realm of gems and jewellery designing and manufacturing, GJMTC now
aims to take various sectors of the society on board to broaden the spectrum of jewellery industry in Pakistan.
03

GJTMC for Muzaffarabad
Azad Jammu & Kashmir approved
PGJDC is proud to announce that the PC-I for the
establishment of a gems and jewellery training and
processing center in Muzaffarabad has been approved
by the Ministry of Industries and Production. The
objectives of setting up a full fledged training and
processing center at Muzaffarabad are:
1. To add value to rough gemstone which will
translate in to increase in foreign exchange.
2. To create employment opportunities in the region.
3. To upgrade skills and technology of the sector
4. To improve the skills of gem traders resulting in
better opportunities
5. To increase branding and marketing of Pakistani
gemstones.
Azad Jammu & Kashmir is rich in mineral resources
including vast deposits of precious and semi precious
gemstones. The area is bestowed with deposits of ruby, topaz, and tourmaline (black, pink and green), garnet
(red and orange) and quartz. Mostly gemstones are sold abroad in raw form resulting in loss of opportunity
to earn good foreign exchange due to absence of any training facility and technology up gradation in gemstone
cutting, gemology, and mining; lack of value addition of precious and semi precious gemstones and mineral
specimen; inadequate marketing and branding with poor channelization of precious and semi precious
gemstones to domestic and international markets.
The training and processing center will be setup with a project cost of Rs. 60 million. The center will
provide state-of-the-art facilities and will
be completed in thirty six months. Speaking
on the occasion, Mr. Bashir Ahmed Abbasi,
CEO of PGJDC said, “The establishment of
the GJTMC at Muzaffarabad reflects the
continuous commitment and efforts of the
PGJDC to develop mine to market
operations in the region”. He added,
“Pakistan, based on its potential in mineral
wealth, can become a great hub of the
gemstone industry in Asia, provided it takes
a few essential steps that can enhance the
exploration of resources and growth of
business.”
04

MoU Signed for establishment
of Center of Excellence in Peshawar
PGJDC has signed an MoU with the
KPK University of Engineering and
Technology and the FATA Development
Program for the establishment of Gems
and Jewellery Center of Excellence in
Peshawar. The document was signed at
the Governor House in Peshawar in the
presence of Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani
and the US Consul General Ms. Candace
Putnam. The FATA Center of Excellence
will cost Rs. 50 million. The project is
funded by the USAID and is expected to
create an enormous impact in many
neglected areas such as skill development,
employment generation, reduction in
wastage and value addition in products in
MoU Signing Ceremony
the next 5 years. The FATA Center of Excellence is vital because of its contribution in the areas of skill development
and technology up gradation.
World Bank representative visits PGJDC
Ms. Sophia Swire, Consultant World Bank
recently paid a visit to the PGJDC office and met
with CEO Mr. Bashir Ahmed Abbasi and Ms. Zeba
Mumtaz, GM Marketing and Quality Assurance
PGJDC, regarding possibilities for linkages
between the WB projects in the gems and
jewellery sector in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Ms.
Sophia’s objective for the meeting was to learn
from the pitfalls that PGJDC may have experienced
while implementing its gems and jewellery
projects in Pakistan for the first time in country’s
history.
Other matters of interest like support from
World Bank for this sector in terms of Northern
Areas, female gender uplift and revolving fund
possibilities for this sector in order to create
Ms. Sophia Swire, Consultant World Bank along with her team in the meeting
with Chief Executive PGJDC
employment within Pakistan were discussed. Branding of Pakistani products and country level branding for
this sector.
05

Gem Bazaars
Bridging the buyer-seller gap in the gemstone industry
The actual potential of gems and jewellery industry of Pakistan is hard to grasp unless it is
observed in the ardent environment of a Gem Bazaar. Pakistan is home to a rich variety of minerals,
some of which make it to be prominent in the mineral world, such as peridot, aquamarine, topaz
(various colors: violet and pink, golden and champagne), ruby, emerald, rare-earth minerals
bastnaesite and xenotime, sphene, tourmaline, and many varieties and types of quartz.
Gem Bazaar, an innovative concept brought forward by PGJDC, has achieved meteoric popularity
in a short time. It has done wonders in terms of establishing more business contacts, giving the
people from remote areas the opportunity to sell their wares to a much broader clientele, through
marketing and promoting Pakistani gems’ variety and worthiness and providing a secure and safe
environment for foreign buyers who come to establish regular trade links with gem traders in the
country.
The PGJDC Gem Bazaars have opened the door of numerous opportunities to the local
stakeholders of gemstone sector. Since this sector has no proper mining operations run by local
or multinational companies on a large scale, many local residents have devised ways of blasting,
digging and extracting gemstones and minerals; many of these do not have the resources to market
their findings and thus sell them at minimum amounts. These Gem Bazaars offer every seller, big
or small, to come and display their goods in order to find the right price and the best bargain. Gem
Bazaar has an exclusive concept where buyers and sellers meet over a simple layout of tables and
engage in the gemstone trade. The availability of facilities such as Gemstone Identification Laboratory,
Trading Booths and Daylight Room ensures transparent and fair trade of precious/ semi-precious
gemstones and mineral specimens which are brought in from all across the country.
Gem Bazaar Peshawar
The first ever Gem Bazaar was held in Gem Exchange Peshawar. Peshawar, being the hub of gemstone
trading in Pakistan, attracts many local and international gemstone dealers. The prominent location of Gem
Exchange at Namak Mandi also played a significant role in the success of Gem Bazaar. So far PGJDC has organized
eleven Gem Bazaars in Peshawar.
Buyers and Sellers busy trading in Gem Bazaar
06

Gem Bazaar Quetta
Like in Peshawar, Gem Bazaar gained immensely positive response in Quetta as well. Since introducing
Gem Bazaar in Quetta, the company has successfully held six events in a short span of little more than a year.
Quetta is the trading center of Baluchistan province. The presence of Gem Exchange Quetta, makes it an ideal
location to hold such an event. Buyers and sellers from all over the country regularly participate in these Gem
Bazaars.
Gem Bazaar Lahore
Visitors / Guest looking at the display of a variety of products in Gem Bazaar
After immense popularity that Gem Bazaar gained in Peshawar and Quetta, the first Gem Bazaar in Lahore
was organized on 12th and 13th June 2010 at the Gems and Jewellery Training and Manufacturing Centre
(GJTMC) Lahore. Around 40 exhibitors participated in the Gem Bazaar and displayed their products. They were
facilitated with free stalls and free promotion.15 exhibitors from Lahore, 15 from Peshawar, 5 from Swat and
5 from Quetta participated in the event. For out of city exhibitors, PGJDC also sponsored traveling expenses.
An approximate number of about 2000 people, including families, visited the Gem Bazaar. A delegation of
students and teachers of Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design also visited the Gem Bazaar.
A busy view of Gem Bazaar
Gem Bazaar Islamabad
Now PGJDC is all set to organize the first ever Gem Bazaar in Islamabad. The dates have been finalized
and the event will take place on 6th and 7th January 2011. The potential of organization a successful Gem
Bazaar in Islamabad is undeniable. It is a high time to tap this potential. The company is thoroughly preparing
to make this first Gem Bazaar a success in Islamabad as well. Gemstone dealers from all over the country will
be invited to display their variety of precious stones. Islamabad, being the capital, attracts dignitaries and
diplomats. Their presence in the Gem Bazaar Islamabad will give it an international outlook and will help PGJDC
in attracting prominent buyers and Government agencies and international Embassies in Pakistan . It will also
be a perfect platform to prompt the population of Islamabad and Rawalpindi interested in gemstones.
07

An Enticing Opportunity!
For the Gems & Jewellery traders and entrepreneurs in Pakistan
First Advertisement on PGJDC website
This step by PGJDC is reflective of its continuous
commitment for the development of the Gems
& Jewellery industry of Pakistan which includes
providing maximum opportunity to the industry
for international business development.
For more information please contact
PGJDC Head Office Karachi at the following
contact numbers.
Tel: 021-35631395-7
or Visit: www.pgjdc.org
Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company
has recently created an enticing opportunity for the gems &
jewellery traders and entrepreneurs in Pakistan for making
an impact on the international gems and jewellery market
through a fast paced and economical marketing.
The Company has provided the facility of marketing the
products of the gems and jewellery stakeholders through its
website www.pgjdc.org, which is mostly viewed by the
potential customers all over the world. A separate space on
the PGJDC website is allotted to the gems and jewellery
companies for uploading their customized web pages through
which they can advertise and promote their company and
products cheaply in the international markets.
This opportunity provides great mileage for the gems
and jewellery companies. The customized web pages of these
companies are visible to all bringing them in direct contact
with the interested customers.
08

Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company
Forges Ahead with Assaying and
Hallmarking in Pakistan
Pakistan is the 8th biggest consumer of gold in the world
and annually imports 127 tons gold but unfortunately there
is no consumer satisfaction and Pakistani jewellery industry
suffers from unfair competition by those who under-carat
gold and therefore sell at a lower price. Non existence of
hallmarking results in Pakistan’s increasing loss of export,
self independence and less acceptability of Pakistani
products both in the local and global markets.
Hallmarking refers to physically marking a piece of
jewellery according to specific laws to certify the purity
of metal. Hallmarks are small markings stamped on gold,
silver and platinum articles. A hallmark means that the
article has been independently tested and guarantees that
it confirms to all legal standards of purity. These tests are
carried out only by an Assay Office; Assay offices are institutions set up to assay (test the purity of) precious
metal items, to protect consumers. Assaying is an accurate determination of the precious metal content in
an alloy. There are three main methods of assaying, cupellation (used for gold determination), titration (used
for silver determination) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Upon successful
completion of the assay, (i.e. the metallurgical content is found to be equal or better than that claimed by
the maker and it otherwise conforms to the standards.
PGJDC has signed an agreement with the London Assaying Office for establishing Assaying and Hallmarking
Centres in Pakistan. LAO is part of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, one of 12 great livery companies
of the City of London. Founded to regulate the craft or trade of the goldsmith, and responsible since 1300
for testing the quality of gold, silver and, lately platinum and palladium articles.
The main aim is to help Pakistan’s small and medium
sized enterprises to reposition themselves on a more
competitive footing in the domestic and global markets.
PGJDC wants to create awareness among common people
and to improve the image of our local Jewellery industry
at international levels. Apart from other countries of the
world, implementation of Hallmarking Law in Pakistan
would help country to increase its export to approximately
18 signatory countries of Vienna Convention.
Hallmarking will not only build much needed
consumer confidence, it will also convince the
international market that Pakistan is committed to
provide quality products resulting in export enhancement
and self reliance.
09
XRF Machine

Certificate Distribution Ceremony
at Quetta
Gems and Jewellery Training & Manufacturing Centre
Ms. Raheela Durrani awarding certificate to a successful
participant of a course
PGJDC organized the second Certificate Distribution
Ceremony at Quetta recently. The certificates were given to the
participants who have successfully completed the courses in
the training programs at the center. Speaking on the occasion,
Mr. Bashir Ahmed Abbasi – Chief Executive Officer of PGJDC
highlighted the Company’s activities in the recent times. He
lauded the efforts of the management and faculty of the Quetta
GJTMC and congratulated the successful participants. He urged
all the students to continue their experimentations and creativity
in designing and manufacturing jewellery so that they can gain
enough confidence to exhibit and adopt this as a profession in
the future.
Ms. Raheela Durrani presided as the Chief Guest on the
occasion. She appreciated the Company’s efforts to revive and
redefine the gems and jewellery industry in Quetta. She also lauded the efforts of the students especially
women who had chosen to explore this fascinating new field. More than 250 guests were present on the
event including 170 successful participants of the course.
“The main idea to conduct the event is to mobilize and realize the potential of the people,” said Mr.
Abbasi, “who have received the training from PGJDC in different disciplines of gemology and jewellery, and
to project the talent in the market and explore new opportunities,” he continued. Mr. Abbasi further commented
that the staff and faculty of Quetta were performing at par with the standards and thus have been highly
appreciated by the students and traders etc thus proving that the Company is moving in the right direction.
“I believe that our choices for the faculty and staff have
been very fruitful for the center,” he said “that is why more
people have expressed their interest in the courses and
many traders have also appreciated our services for gem
identification etc as it increases their revenues too.”
The successful participants of the course expressed
their satisfaction over the course materials and teaching
methodology. “We had no idea that the gems and jewellery
industry could be so challenging,” commented one student,
“these courses should also be part of our regular technical
education programs,” he further said.
The Chief Guest handed certificates of completion to
the participants of the course and congratulated them on
Guest seated in the Programme
their success. The colorful ceremony also showcased the
students’ work for the guests.
10

PGJDC Training Centres
The PGJDC training centers are the fruits of labor of the Company’s long term vision and goal for the revitalization
of the gems and jewellery industry of Pakistan. These centers not only serve as the primary training centers for gems
and jewellery designing and manufacturing, but also as the most authentic source for gem identification and grading
for exporters and traders from all over the country. The five centers have been opened in strategic locations to facilitate
people. These centers shall in time be equipped with more state-of-the-art facilities so that more people can benefit
from them. Nearly all the centers are equipped with the most modern gem labs and also feature gem exchange facilities.
These are soon to be upgraded to one-stop exchanges whereby monetary, currency exchanges and freight booking and
delivery shall all be done from the centers.
Performance review of PGJDC training centres:
1. Providing systematic modern education in jewellery designing and manufacturing so as to enhance the quality of the Pakistan
Jewellery Product at par with international standards.
2. To understand and bring awareness in Jewellery Design concepts about the Pakistan Market to the world.
3. Training manpower for export purposes, as there is an enormous potential for export, creating employment opportunities for
craftsman; and last but not least to earn foreign exchange.
4. Raising skills levels by developing the workforce in the PGJDC’s GJTMCs and other places as well.
5. Giving additional support for learners with basic and life skills.
6. Raising the quality of education and training by providing training on the latest tools and techniques used for gems and jewellery
7. Established gemstone identification and certification laboratory throughout Pakistan.
8. First time in history of Pakistan, state of the art machinery introduced in Lapidary.
9. Introduced latest jewellery pattern designing through CAD/CAM Rapid Prototyping Machine wax moulding.
10. The trainees are participating in jewellery designing contest like Gemvision, ICA, etc.
11. Introduced jewellery pattern making techniques in wax which is an easy and fast approach to develop variety of designs in low
cost and minimum time.
12. Trained FDPLD trainees for gemstone faceting and carving training.
13. Trained and informed other education institutes about the latest development, tools and technologies now involved for gems
and jewellery.
14. So far we have trained 2831 people through 198 training programs on different topics of gems and jewellery.
Future strategy:
1. Collaborative efforts with other counterparts to broaden the training activities in the country particularly focusing rural areas.
2. Focusing the women entrepreneurs in Gem & Jewellery sector in order to build up their capacity.
3. The subjects of stone setting, casting, Sumouk, Patwa are being introduced.
4. Producing master trainers considering the gender disparity so that they may act as catalyst to conduct further training programs
in the jewellery cluster.
5. To open more training centre in other parts of the country.
6. To bring in latest technology in Pakistan as and when introduced.
7. Targeting to develop the entrepreneurship for the training participants.
8. Developing safe and secure concepts for the explorations of mining and bring in value addition through gemstone cutting and
polishing
9. To promote Assaying and Hall-marking activity through exclusive centres.
10. To bring in the technology for other precious metal processing which can be used in gems and jewellery ornaments manufacturing.
11. GJTMC‘s to become sustainable, independent and internationally recognized entities.
11

PGJDC’S Role in Economic
Empowerment of Women in Pakistan
The dawn of this decade has begun the drive towards
the economic empowerment of women in Pakistan. It is
a well known fact that almost the entire informal industry
of our country is being run by women who work from
homes and produce goods for sale in the big cities that
are often exported also. The time has come now to gear
this talent and energy into more productive and less time
consuming efforts. As PGJDC has taken up the humungous
task of organizing and developing the gems and jewellery
sector of the country, the management has come to realize
that a certain percentage of the workforce in this industry
is missed out because they are women in rural areas or
in remote regions where urban technical training centers are not present. Thus the industry loses out on
potential production force.
In order to increase the participation of women in this industry, PGJDC has setup gem & jewellery training
and manufacturing centers across the country to equip the artisans with the latest technologies, techniques
and processes. The Company has specially designed training programs for women that focus on empowerment
and capacity building. The training programs offer maximum flexibility and conveniences so that maximum
participation can be guaranteed. These programs also give high preference to women who are beneficiaries
so that they can become their own advocates and can translate their capacity into the financial benefits that
can change their lives and of those who are dependent on them.
So far PGJDC has trained around 800 women via 250 nation wide training programs in various disciplines
of gems and jewellery. Some of the training programs with 100 percent women participation were:
Manual Jewellery Designing at Islamabad
Computer Aided jewellery Designing at Karachi, Lahore and Quetta
Gemstone Faceting and Carving at Garam Chasma Chitral
Gemstone Identification at Gilgit.
The Company has also increased its efforts to encourage women entrepreneurs to exhibit their pieces
at the international fairs on the PGJDC platform.
Future prospects and plans:
The future holds a very bright beacon for the women in this field. PGJDC is continuing to organize
more training workshops for women and shall initiate work on the possibilities and initiatives to link trained
women to market and project their talent by using different platforms at local and international levels. The
company aims to setup a Center of Excellence and develop a long term project to implement the opportunity
for annual residual income flows and revenue generation. PGJDC also plans to contribute to the development
of women-owned enterprises by favoring investment, technology flows and business networks for women
entrepreneurs in general and in particular those in key sectors.
12

Pakistani Traders Venture Into
International Markets
International marketing through participation in international gems and jewellery trade shows has
opened the doors for value exports for Pakistani economy. Trade members holding different unique specialties
and fortes now have a chance to reach out to a global clientele via the platform of PGJDC. Recent trade shows
attended by PGJDC include the following:
Munich Mineral Show
Mr. Bashir Ahmed Abbasi, CEO PGJDC presenting a sovenir to
Mr. Christoph Kielmann President of the Munich Gem & Mineral
Show.
(29-31 Oct, 2010)
The Munich Mineral Show is one of the largest mineral
trade shows in the world. It has been 47 years since
the inception of this show that bears the meeting
point for more than 1250 exhibitors from 56 countries
and more than 400,000 visitors, collectors, dealers
and professionals from around the world.
Dubai International Jewellery Week
PGJDC set up the Pakistan Pavilion in the Mineralientage
Munchen (Munich Mineral Show 2010) under the brand
name ‘Gems & Jewellery – Pakistan’. PGJDC has participated
in the three day event for the second time. The Pakistani
contingent was made up of traders from all corners of the
Country. The main aim of this exercise was to let these
traders gain the experience of creating business linkages
and insightful observations regarding the European
markets.
An aesthetic view of Pakistan Pavilion organized by PGJDC in
Munich Gem & Mineral Show
(07-10 Oct, 2010)
Dubai has emerged as the one of the fastest growing business and retail hub of the world. It is the
perfect amalgamation of the east and west and attracts buyers and sellers from all over the world who find
the best trade leads and deals here. The Dubai International Jewellery Week is the ideal forum for manufacturers,
wholesalers, retailers and industry professionals at large, looking to establish business relationships in the
whole region. There is a lot of interest in jewellery, gemstones, pearls and diamonds in this market since the
tastes and preferences are very similar to those in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Pavilion was setup under the flagship company banner ‘Gems & jewellery – Pakistan’. Ten
prominent companies from Pakistan took part in this contingent. This is the fourth time that PGJDC has
participated in this trade fair as part of broadening the exposure of the gems and jewellery industry of Pakistan.
Pakistani jewellery in its various delightful forms, attracted many people from the UAE.
13

Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair
CEO PGJDC with President World Jewellery Confederation and Dr. Ellen Lau,
Honorary Consultant of Consulate General of Pakistan in Hong Kong at the Pakistan
Pavilion during the Hong Kong Fair.
prepared by the Rapid Prototyping machine. The efforts of the Company
were highly lauded and a lot of inquiries have also been registered with
the Company in this regard.
The Hong Kong Jewellery and Gems Fair is also counted as one of the
largest fairs of its kind in the world. Hong Kong has a reputation of being
the gem hub of the world since ancient times thus this fair is also the
biggest in Asia. PGJDC had a two fold presence in this fair. First under
the flagship Pakistan Pavilion ‘Gems & jewellery – Pakistan’ that included
traders displaying their finest pieces of pure metal and stone studded
jewellery. The second element of PGJDC presence was a separate booth
for the Company itself,
displaying promotional
material and training
institutes present in
major cities of Pakistan.
The Company displayed
the jewellery models
The Pakistan Pavilion was also visited by the Consul General of Pakistan in Hong Kong. The Company extended
their gratitude to the Counsul General and his team who had been extremely helpful throughout the Fair at the Pakistan
Pavillion.
Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair
The Pakistan Pavilion set up at the Bangkok Gems and Jewellery
Fair was received warmly and enthusiastically by visitors and traders
alike. The participants of the PGJDC team displayed precious and semi
precious stones including emeralds, rubies, kunzite, tourmaline,
aquamarine, topaz, garnet etc. The participants also displayed Pakistan’s
trademark designer silver jewellery in the fair.
PGJDC setup its separate stall also that disseminated information
regarding the company, its activities, and centers for training and
manufacturing development and product models. The Pakistan Pavilion
was also visited by the Ambassador of Pakistan to Thailand, the
Commercial Counsellor and team members from the diplomatic quarters.
(16-20 Sep, 2010)
Customers at Pakistan pavilion in the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2010
(07-11 Sep, 2010)
CEO PGJDC with Mr. Vichai Assarasakorn, President Thai Gem & Jewellery Trade Association
PGJDC to participate in GJX Show at the Gem,
Mineral & Fossil Showcase (Tucson, USA) (01-06 Feb, 2011)
GJX is the most coveted gem show in the entire Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase, Tucson. From its humble beginnings
in 1993 with only 35 booths, GJX became the fastest growing gem show in Tucson’s gem show history, now boasting
over 700 booths.
For the first time, PGJDC is going to participate in the GJX Show from February 01 – 06, 2011. Continuing with the
tradition, PGJDC is going to organize a Pakistan Pavilion in which gemstone and mineral specimen dealers from all over
the country will be invited to exhibit.
In the Pakistan Pavilion, PGJDC is expecting to get the best of the products displayed by the selected exhibitors, especially
from Peshawar, Karachi, Quetta, and Northern Areas of Pakistan.
Future International Exhibitions 2011
Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase, Tucson February 01 – 06, 2011
Bangkok Gems & jewellery Fair September 14 – 18, 2011
Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair September 21 – 25, 2011
Munich Mineral Show October 28 – 30, 2011
Dubai International Jewellery Week November 10 – 13, 2011
14

New Trends in Designing Jewellery
Following the global trends in jewellery designing and manufacturing, PGJDC has introduced new courses targeted
to familiarize students with the latest as well as traditional techniques of jewellery designing and manufacturing in their
training centres. These courses are formulated to help the students learn these techniques and apply them creatively
as well as commercially following domestic and international demands and trends.
Soumak Jewellery (The Magic of Wearable Art)
Soumak is the textile technique commonly found in weaving of rugs in the Middle East. It is an ancient rug weaving
technique named after Shemakha, a city in Azerbaijan where it was originated. Now this technique is used in gold and
silver, with totally woven wire and very little stone work. Artisans are now adapting the hand made jewellery using the
Soumak technique of weaving metal into wearable art. The flexibility of weaving in this technique allows the designer
to mould their pieces in any form, flat, curvilinear, sculptural and ethereal or even architectural.
Patwa
Patwa is an art of augmenting jewellery by means of strings, stones, beads etc. It is one of the major feature in
eastern jewellery especially Mughal jewellery pieces. As Patwa is not capital intensive and is an ideal training course for
development of rural female entrepreneurship/ women development. In this art, threads and wires are used to string
pearls, precious and semi precious stones and synthetic crystals in the jewellery piece. This conceptual art is also applied
for adornment of textile/ leather garments, cheaters, hairpins, shawls, caps as well as other articles of common use.
Wax Carving
In traditional manner, jewellery is made from metals; likewise, the patterns for casting are also made in metal.
However, now this rich technique introduces wax rather than metals to make patterns for casting. The usage of hard
wax in jewellery making is advantageous as it is faster to make patterns with wax and also gives the advantage of
reverse process by filling metal in wax. Pattern making in wax requires special tools with which we can scrub hard wax
into a desired shaped easily. This technique cuts costs considerably and makes the manufacturing faster and cheaper.
Meeting with the stakeholders of
Gilgit Baltistan
A meeting of gemstone stakeholders of Gilgit Baltistan, arranged by
Rupani Foundation (an NGO), was held in Gilgit on November 29th, 2010
to discuss the issues, challenges, opportunities & solutions related to the
gemstone sector of Gilgit Baltistan. Mr. Naib Khan, Secretary, Minerals,
Industries & Commerce, Gilgit Baltistan also attended the meeting, representing
Gilgit Baltistan Government. In his welcome address Mr. Jalal-ud-Din, CEO,
Rupani Foundation Gilgit, thanked the participants of the meeting especially
the Chief Executive PGJDC who presided the meeting for his untiring efforts
to boost the gemstone sector of Gilgit Baltistan. Mr. Jalal also stressed that
concrete steps are to be taken in order to build this industry in Pakistan and
to bring it at par with international standards in order to attract international
clientele of local products. Chairman Pakistan Gems & Minerals Association (PGMA) Gilgit Baltistan also discussed the
problems faced by the local miners and gemstone dealers and requested solid help from Government of Pakistan for
its uplifting. Among other individuals and community organizations, representatives of Karakoram International University
(KIU), Karakorum Area Development Organization (KADO), and Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) also
attended the meeting.
Mr. Bashir Ahmed Abbasi, Chief Executive, PGJDC presided the meeting and discussed vision of PGJDC with the
stakeholders. He further elaborated on the facilities that are available at GJTMC Gilgit for the development of gemstone
sector in Gilgit Baltistan. He also discussed the issues and challenges in the gemstone sector and discussed possible
ways to address these challenges.
15

Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company
Introduces Latest Technology,
Gem Testing Labs at GJTMCs
PGJDC has established five gem testing labs across Pakistan to facilitate the trade of gemstones in the
country. These labs are serving the Pakistani gem and jewellery industry by certifying gemstones in the course
of exports and imports, whenever required. This safeguards the credibility of our gem industry, which in turns
helps the growth of exports. Ever since the science of gemstone started developing in Pakistan, the exports
have gone up hence; indirectly gemological education can boost the exports even further. The gem testing
labs are a turning point in the history of Pakistani gems industry towards the scientific development in the
field of gemology. These labs have become the backbone of the gem industry.
PGJDC has also paid strict attention to provide state-of-the-art machines and equipment to the students
in order to better acquaint them with techniques used around the world. The following instruments are very
useful in identification of gemstones, their synthetic simulants and treatments.
Refractometer
The Refractometer is
one of the most important
tools in a gemological
laboratory. It indicates the
refractive index of a
gemstone, which often gives
vital clues, to the
identification of a gemstone.
Specific
Gravity Meter
The specific gravity
meter is very helpful in
separation of different
gemstones specially
diamonds and its simulants
like zircon, synthetic
moissanite etc.
Microscope
The main purpose of
this instrument is to
differentiate between natural
and manmade gemstones as
well as to detect treatments
in stones.
Gem Tester
This instrument provides a
quick, easy, laboratory proven
way to identify diamonds and
separate the most popular
colored gemstones from one
another.
UV lamp
This is used to determine the
florescence of gemstones
and diamonds. This is also
used to grade and price
diamonds.
Spectroscope
The spectroscope is one of
the most useful tools and is
designed to obtain spectrum
of a gemstone. As each
gemstone has its unique
spectrum it can easily be
identified by this instrument.
16

Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company
Students do us proud
The Pakistani entrants via the platform of PGJDC, at the 2010 Matrix
Design Contest, made the entire country proud by securing the top two
positions in the student category as well as bagged a special mention
award. The prestigious international competition has numerous
participants from all over the world every year. The jewellery designing
competition boosts the scope of computer aided designing in the
participants. The contest was organized by Gem Vision Corporation, which
is a multinational jewellery technology corporation with facilities in USA,
UK as well as a global network of authorized dealers.
Twenty four students took part from Pakistan in the contest (9 from
Karachi and 15 from Lahore). Our recent laureates have all been trained
and qualified at PGJDC’s Gems & Jewellery Training and Manufacturing
Centres in Karachi and Lahore. Mr. Rehan Sheikh, from GJTMC Lahore
got the first position while Mr. Muhammad Rizwan Shaikh from GJTMC
Karachi were in the second place. Mr. Muhammad Kamran Sheikh from
GJTMC Karachi won the Honorable Mention Award for two times.
The Chief Executive PGDJC expressed his satisfaction and commended
the winners, “This is really a matter of pride for PGJDC to recognize these
outstanding talents generated from our training centers in our country.
I congratulate the winners of the contest. This is one of the lucrative
results that PGJDC always looks forward to after investing so much in the
areas of skill development and technology upgradation for the Gems &
Jewellery industry of Pakistan.” He appreciated the efforts of the staff
and faculty of the GJTMCs in all the cities, “I must say that such
achievements are great honor for our country inspiring young people to
come forward and explore new vocations in the gems and jewellery
industry and bring their creativity and talent more and more resulting in
further development of the Gems & Jewellery industry of Pakistan,” he
continued.
‘I FEEL HONORED TO HAVE REPRESENTED PAKISTAN AND WINNING IT FOR PAKISTAN’
Rehan Sheikh (Winner of the Matrix Design Contest 2010)
I am absolutely thrilled on winning the first prize in the student category of International Gemvision Contest 2010. Making
a name for my country has always been my dream and I cannot express the extents of my joy for achieving this milestone. It
has all been the result of my parent’s prayers, my teachers’ efforts and my hard work. I would also like to express my gratitude
towards Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company for providing me vital opportunities for training and participation
in the contest. I would especially like to thank my proficient teachers at Gems and Jewellery Training and Manufacturing Centre
Lahore Mr. Shuja ur Rehman, Mr. Khurram Riaz and Ms. Khadija Zia for their valiant efforts in brushing up my abilities to shine
on the international arena. I believe that consistent efforts by PGJDC in the development of the sector are commendable and
would result in many more opportunities for individuals like me to reveal their capabilities on the international level. I think
direct international exposure in the form of international exhibitions would set me up perfectly to explore export potential. I
think PGJDC is providing the ideal platform for people like me and this will have a significant positive impact on the gems and
jewellery sector of Pakistan in the long run. As a proud Pakistani I feel honored to have represented Pakistan and winning it
for Pakistan is of course special beyond words. Long live Pakistan!
17

Pakistan Gems And Jewellery Development Company
Wax Models Create New Hype in
the International Arena
PGJDC had something more unique to offer to their clients and traders across the globe that came to
visit the Company’s stall at the Bangkok and Hong Kong Gems and Jewelry Fairs. Apart from an entirely new
showcase of products and gems, the Company also displayed a large variety of wax models. These wax models
have been created by the very students of PGJDC enrolled at the Karachi and Lahore GJTMCs. These jewelry
models are designed on state-of-the-art software including Matrix and Jewel CAD. These are part of the
Computer Aided Jewellery Designing course offered to the students. This course not only helps the students
in converting their ideas into actual 3D models but also processes these designs via the Rapid Prototyping
Machine to produce flawless wax pieces.
Wax plays a very important role in bringing down the cost of using metal moulds that require very
special machines as well as highly skilled labor. It also reproduces the most complex designs from virtual to
physical reality. For the students and artisans working with PGJDC, this is a dream come true, where anything
they conceive can be made without compromising on the quality and complexity of the design.
The designer uses a hard wax for molding the design at a very special machine. This makes the accurate
imprint in the wax that becomes permanent
after treatment. Once the dye is set, the
designer can easily create the hollow mould
for the piece. This can then be embellished
with stones and finished according to the
designers’ wish.
The recent showcasing of these wax
models brought about a flood of inquiries
from USA, Germany, Thailand, Australia,
China, Iran, India and Taiwan. The Company
has by the grace of Allah Almighty, has ample
resources to fulfill these orders in time with
the highest quality and finishing standards
that are at par with the world’s finest
jewellery makers.
“This is indeed a very heartening
moment for us,” CEO Mr. Bashir Ahmed
Abbasi said, “ it is not only a significant
milestone in the history of this Company
but also a huge success in such a short time
of existence of PGJDC. The entire credit for
this extraordinary achievement goes to the
staff, management and faculty of our training
centres. I hope to enrich this facility in our
centres very soon so that we may have more
production capacity as well as new talented
designers across the country,” he continued.
Pictures of Jewellery Design Models developed through RP Products (CAD / CAM Technology) 18

Representatives of SWOG meet with USAID Officials
The representatives of the Pakistani Gems and Jewellery industry met with USAID officials to discuss the situation
in FATA and future strategies pertaining to this area in relation to mining for gemstones and minerals. Mr. Jabbar Khan
and Mr. Mujahid Saleem represented USAID.
The USAID officials reported that their focus is now on FATA. They said that research has shown that mineral
extraction is the only viable source of generating revenues other than agriculture and livestock in the area. They also
informed the members of the meeting that a detailed report has been prepared by the agency including an extensive
SWOT analysis from mine to market.
The brainstorming session yielded two positive results that demand immediate action:
1. Geological surveys need to be conducted as soon as possible, and
2. Mining techniques need to be improved as soon as possible.
PGJDC and APGMJA agreed to collaborate with USAID to help them build the curriculum for training in collaboration
with Geological Institute of America for future courses.
PGJDC and Rupani Foundation to collaborate on
development of G & J Industry
Mr. Amin Dewji CEO Rupani Foundation USA, Mr. Jalal-ud-Din
CEO Rupani Foundation Pakistan in the Meeting with Chief
Executive PGJDC at the Company’s head office
Officials from the Pakistan and Russian gems sector have held a series
of meetings to figure out ways to cooperate with each other in the gemstones
and jewellery sector. PGJDC is interested to have a bilateral relationship
in the following areas:
a. Marketing b. Training c. Gemstones
d. Jewellery e. Hallmarking
Representatives of both countries also expressed their desire to attend
gems and jewellery fairs. PGJDC also assured the Russian representatives of
A delegation of the Rupani Foundation met with the
Executives of PGJDC recently to discuss ways to enhance
and develop new avenues of income generation in low
income groups. From Rupani Foundation, their CEO from
USA, Mr. Amin Dewji accompanied their Pakistani
counterparts, namely Mr. Jalal-ud-Din, CEO, Rupani
Foundation Pakistan, and Vice President.
The parties acknowledged the fact that PGJDC’s work
in the G&J industry is ground breaking and it has indeed
opened a lot of opportunities for self sustenance for many
people who have the talent but do not have the resources.
Both the parties agreed on following PGJDC’s objectives of
initiating mining and surveying operations in Baluchistan,
Khyber Pakhtunkwa and Gilgit Baltistan. Members of the Rupani Foundation added that the government in Gilgit
Baltistan shall complete its geological survey in the next two years whereas there is no such attempt by the rest
of the provincial governments so far. They also commented that approximately 1 billion people will enter the middle
class strata of our society in the near future and thus there is a lot of potential for gems and jewellery sector.
PGJDC has held joint talks with Mines & Mineral Development Department (Gilgit-Baltistan), Pakistan Gemstone
and Mineral Association (PGJMA) and Korakoram University for implementation and followed-up-on the meeting with
Rupani Foundation. For this purpose, Chief Executive, PGJDC has also visited Gilgit Baltistan.
Pak-Russian cooperation in trading and development of
the gemstone sector
Chief Executive PGJDC in the meeting with the
Russian official
their utmost cooperation in all aspects of arrangements, displays and all other matters related to trade.
19

Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company
PGJDC Training Centres
The PGJDC training centres are the fruits of labor of the Company’s long term vision
and goal for the revitalization of the gems and jewellery industry of Pakistan. These
centres not only serve as the primary training centres for gems and jewellery designing
and manufacturing, but also as the most authentic source for gem identification and
grading for exporters and traders from all over the country. The success of these centers
could not have been possible without the support and cooperation of the Sindh Board
of Technical Education. The Board is responsible to organize, regulate, develop and
control technical, vocational, industrial and commercial education in the province of
Sindh. PGJDC had approached the Board in the early stages of setting up the centers in
order to design courses and get them approved as per the Board’s policies. This has
enabled the Company to run accredited courses that are recognized all over the country.
The five centers have been opened in strategic locations to facilitate people. These
centers shall in time be equipped with more state-of-the-art facilities so that more people
can benefit from them. Nearly all the centers are equipped with the most modern gem
labs and also feature gem exchange facilities. These are soon to be upgraded to onestop
exchanges whereby monetary, currency exchanges and freight booking and delivery
shall all be done from the centers.
Gems and Jewellery Training and Manufacturing Centres (GJTMCs)
Karachi
The training centre is located in Saddar, the hub of Gems and Jewellery
cluster in the mega city Karachi. The training centre has been designed as
per international standards for gems and jewellery design and manufacturing
training. The exclusive facility in terms of technology, faculty and environment
has been equipped with state of the art workshops and class rooms through
consultation of an International Expert in gems and jewellery sector.
Current Status: The facility is offering courses in Jewellery Design,
Manufacturing, Gem Identification and Gem Processing. The centre has
launched 1 year diploma program. The program has been recognized by the
Sind Board of Technical Education. The curriculum of the program has been
designed by the international consultant. The Jewellery Manufacturing Faculty
is being trained by the same consultant to augment the skills of the sector
as per international standards.
Future Plans: The training centre has ventured into the next phase of
development by offering the technology to the sector. Up till now CAD/CAM
facility, advance computerized technology for jewellery design and pattern
A Training participant learning the techniques
of gemstone faceting in the Faceting Units
installed at GJTMC Karachi.
making are being utilized by the sector. The Gem lab facilities have already being offered to the sector.
20

Lahore
The facility is situated in the hub of Gems and
Jewellery cluster, Jamaludin Afghani Road, Lahore. The
centre is a model training centre in terms of its technology,
faculty, state of the art workshops, class rooms and
environment. The layout, curricula of courses and
Jewellery Design faculty has been developed by an
international consultant.
Current Status: The training centre is serving the
sector through offering basic and advance courses in
Jewellery Design, Manufacturing, Gem Identification and
Gem Processing. The centre has also offered CAD/CAM
facility, advance computerized technology for jewellery
design and pattern making and gem lab identification
facility to the sector to make the sector competitive at
domestic and international levels. The Jewellery Manufacturing Faculty is being trained by the same consultant
to augment the skills of the sector as per international standards.
Future Plans: The centre is on the verge of introducing the courses of Matrix (Advance) and Patwa. In
his recent visit to GJTMC Lahore, CEO PGJDC emphasized the need for increasing enrolment in the training
courses and instructed the staff to seek coordination with academia for this purpose. CEO also underlined
the importance of promotion of GJTMC Karachi.
Gilgit
The mountains of Gilgit are bestowed by many
precious and semi-precious gemstones and Mineral
specimens. The GJTMC in Gilgit has been equipped with
high-tech workshops and experienced instructors.
Current Status: The facility in Gilgit aims to provide
training and common facility for Gemstone Carving,
Gem Faceting, Bead making, and ornamental stone
processing besides offering facility for mineral specimen
dressing and Gem Identification Lab to cater the need
of the region.The centre has successfully launched one
year course of Lapidary (6 months Faceting, 4 months
Carving and 2 months Gemology) which is being
conducted with the collaboration of Minerals
Department, Gilgit Baltistan.
CEO PGJDC held a meeting with staff of GJTMC Lahore in his recent
visit, and discussed the plans for improvement of the centre.
Honorable Federal Minister for Industries and Production Mir Hazar
Khan Bijrani visited GJTMC Gilgit and observed the facilities of the
Gilgit Training Centre
Future Plans: The centre has taken next step towards expansion through opening of gemstone cutting,
polishing facility and Gem Identification Lab for gems and jewellery sector. In the recent visit of CEO PGJDC,
it was emphasised that Mining Training is going to be offered for beneficiaries of Skardu. For the same reason,
a resource person has been identified with mining experience in FATA and FANA regions. Moreover, the centre
also plans to launch a two-month Gemstone Cutting & Polishing course.
21

Peshawar
Peshawar is the regional hub of various domestic and
international gemstones and mineral specimen. The centre has
been developed to deliver skills development and technology
up-gradation at main Saddar Road, Peshawar Cantt, Peshawar.
Future Plans: The scope of the centre is to provide Gem
Faceting, Gem Carving, Bead making, Ornamental stone processing
and Gem testing facilities to the sector. The state of the art
technology has been procured and being installed in recently
renovated premises for the training centre. The recruitment of
the resources is in process. The centre will offer the technology
for common usage to the sector in later stages of the development.
Quetta
Quetta is the centre of Gemstone and mineral specimen
trade in Baluchistan. The state of the art technology has been
procured and being installed in recently renovated premises for
the training centre.
Future Plans: The centre aims to provide training and
technology up-gradation in Gem Faceting, Gem Carving, Bead
making, Ornamental stone processing and Gem testing. The
centre will offer the technology for common usage to the sector
in later stages of the development. Staff has not yet been inducted
in the Training Centres of Quetta and Peshawar as there was no
Human Resource Committee of the Board. Recently the HR
Committee has been formed and staff for both these centres
will be hired.
Front view of the GJTMC Peshawar Building . GJTMC Peshawar
will soon become operational for the trade members in Khyber-
Pakhtunkhwa region
Front view of the GJTMC Quetta Building . GJTMC Quetta will
soon become operational for the trade members in Balochistan
region.
22