The development of marble industry in certain areas in Pakistan is badly affected by security issues. The military operations against terrorists in Swat, Buner and Dir has brought the working in marble sector to a standstill. About 400 marble factories in Buner have been closed depriving government of millions of rupee in revenue and rendering over a thousand people jobless.
To speed up development of its stone industry and make it competitive in the international market, Government of Pakistan is soon bringing first ever industrial policy. While reviving the sector it will help in improving the national economy.

Stone Strategy Working Group (SWOG) has already been formed consisting of representatives from  cross-section of the industry. Its strategy is to focus on minimising the amount of stone wasted in quarrying and maximizing extraction of squared blocks, and also upgrading the entire value chain.

FUTURE PLANS
Pakistan's marble and granite industry is determined to achieve one goal: extraction of squared blocks. In the long run the industry's vision is to establish itself among the socially responsible and globally competitive dimension stone industry in the world. For this Pakistan is taking necessary steps to overhaul the value chain. Next it plans to invest in more advanced processing capabilities to build on the upgraded raw materials.

Since there is ample scope for foreign investment in Pakistan's mega infrastructure projects like the marble city and quarry development, the government is encouraging foreign investors offering following incentives:

•    100% equity ownership of mines
•    Opportunity of strategic joint venture
•    Business set up is obstacles free
•    Zero per cent custom duty on import of Plant, Machinery & Equipment (PME)

Full repatriation of capital, capital gains, dividends and profits is allowed. However, the share of non-residents is required to be registered with State Bank of Pakistan.

For sustainable development of Pakistan's stone industry international co-operation in industrial and technological issues is very important. The sector's specific development prospects demand global perspective, networking and expertise.