This was stated by Gilgit-Baltistan Forest and Minerals Advisor Aftab Haider while talking to APP on Tuesday.

He said different courses of cutting, polishing of gems & stones were launched by different departments to promote the sector.

Moreover, different Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) were also working for the development of the sector, he said.

He further said the government was also intending to formulate a lease policy for the traders of the region.