Jewellery exporters warn of collapse as gold SRO delay drags on
Pakistan’s jewellery exports have remained suspended for over six months as the Prime Minister’s Office stalls approval of a key gold trade regulation. This leads to exporters to warn of economic devastation.
According to a report, the All Pakistan Small Gems Jewellers & Tools Association (APSGJTA) has issued a stark warning “economic murder” of Pakistan’s jewellery exporters.
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A crucial government order regulating gold imports and exports have remained suspended for more than six months to stop smuggling of gold.
The Association says the suspension of Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) 760(1)/2025 has paralyzed the sector. They say that it has halted exports, and causing potential legal disputes with international buyers.
The government had initially suspended SRO for 60 days on May 6, 2025, as a temporary measure to curb alleged gold smuggling.
However, no official evidence of smuggling has ever been produced, according to the Association’s correspondence communicated to the Ministry of Commerce.
Despite multiple assurances from government officials, including Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, the government has yet to reinstate regulations.
In a formal letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the APSGJTA cited the Ministry of Commerce’s order and argued that the extended suspension has caused massive disruption to trade.
The Association has emphasized that exporters have been unable to fulfill international orders. They are now facing lawsuits and contract penalties from foreign buyers.
“The suspension of jewellery exports has now exceeded six months. This is economic murder of exporters,” said Qari Muhammad Ashraf, Secretary General of the Association.
He also showed frustration over bureaucratic inertia that has left consignments stranded and businesses in crisis.
On August 6, 2025, APSGJTA representatives had met Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, who reportedly assured them to move a summary to prime minister for reinstating SRO 760 “without delay.”
During a Zoom consultation organized by the Ministry of Commerce participants highlighted both import and re-export consignments which have remained frozen under the current regulatory limbo.
It also included a 50-kg gold shipment stuck at Karachi Port. Exporters have warned that if the issue remains unresolved, Pakistan risks losing key foreign clients and global credibility as a jewellery exporter.
