APCEA demands special relief package for gems stone sector

The All Pakistan Commercial Exporters Association (APCEA) has demanded of the government to announce special relief package for traders and workers attached with gems stone sector.

The demand was made by patron-in-Chief of the APCEA, Mamoor Khan while talking to reporters here on Sunday. He said the traders and factory workers attached with gems stone sector are facing great hardships due to closure of industrial and commercial activities amid lockdown as precautionary steps to contain spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the province.

Therefore, he urged the government to announce special relief package for the gems stone sector, under which, all utility bills should be waived off for next six months so that would help to ease their difficulties under the prevailing scenario and depressing situation.

APCEA leader informed around 150 shops of gems stone exist in Namak Mandi Peshawar, and two persons were working in each shop, adding that most of work is being carried out by online internet system and by telephone conservation due to which there was not huge rush in their shops.

Mamoor Khan said the factory workers have faced with host of challenges and issues due to the ongoing prolonged lockdown, as their families have compelled on hunger and starvation amid the present circumstances.

He appealed the government to announce financial package of Rs2million on emergent basis and to give relief to coronavirus hit traders of gem stone sector. He said the local administration should allow opening of shops and markets of gems stone while keeping in view their hardships and miseries under the prevailing situations.

On the occasion, the APCEA leader demanded government to facilitate the sector by introducing latest techniques, saying that if they use modern machinery of extraction, cutting and polishing and adopt latest technologies for promotion of our gem stone, this sector could generate huge revenue for the country.