STAFF REPORT ISB: Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) is making efforts to establish at least one natural history museum in each province of Pakistan as the museum is such an important entity to impart informal education.


PSF Chairman Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf (S.I.) said this while addressing the inaugural ceremony of a one-day training workshop titled “Gemology and Modern techniques of lapidary and celebration of International Earth Day” at Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH), Islamabad.


A large number of students, teachers, entrepreneurs and people from different walks of life attended the event recently organized to mark the International Earth Day.


PMNH Director General Dr. M. K. Leghari, University of Haripur Advisor Dr, Ishaq Ghazanvi, Women Chamber of Commerce and Industrys Senior Vice President Samina Akhter and PMNH Earth Sciences Divisions Director Dr. Ghahzala Roohi were also present on the occasion.


The PSF Chairman said that most of the geological wealth especially the gemstones wealth is still unexplored in Pakistan. He said that gems and jewellery sector of the country has a huge potential and a good amount of foreign exchange can be earned through export of gems by value addition through the use of modern techniques and technology.


Dr. Syed Shahid Hussain, a prolific gemologist and Advisor, Ministry of Science and Technology, spoke on geological conditions of Pakistan and precious stones found in this part of the world. He said Pakistani precious stones such as emerald, sapphire, topaz, ruby amethyst etc are of best quality but unfortunately they are being exported in raw form. He said by value addition through their cutting and polishing Pakistan can earn a lot from this sector.


PMNH Director General Dr. M. K. Leghari, University of Haripur Advisor Dr, Ishaq Ghazanvi, Women Chamber of Commerce and Industrys Senior Vice President Samina Akhter and PMNH Earth Sciences Divisions Director Dr. GhahzalaRoohi also spoke on the occasion.


During the daylong workshop, experienced gemstone experts shared their professional experience with entrepreneurs, students regarding knowledge of gemstone, their type, value, identification, classification, gradation, cutting, polishing and pricing.


The workshop also shed light on the assessment criteria for various gemstones and general pricing strategy for different marketing conditions.


PMNH as per its tradition also arranged a nature photography competition among students to celebrate the International Earth Day and create awareness on environmental challenges threatening our mother earth.


The experts also highlighted the significance of protecting the earth planet against growing challenges like environment to ensure sustainable ecosystem, human life and natural resources.


They said that trees will be the first of five major goals we are undertaking in honour of the five-year countdown to our 50th anniversary. On their own and together, these initiatives will make a significant and measurable impact on the Earth and will serve as the foundation of a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable planet for all.


Over the next five years, as Earth Day moves closer to its 50th anniversary, the world is calling on all of us to help them in achieving planting 7.8 billion trees around the world, one of the most ambitious goals.


The experts said that trees help combat climate change as they absorb excess and harmful CO2 from our atmosphere. In fact, in a single year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the same amount of CO2 produced by driving the average car 26,000 miles.


The international studies reveal that trees help humans to breathe clean air as they absorb odors and pollutant gases like nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.


Forests trees also help communities achieve long-term economic and environmental sustainability and provide food, energy and income.

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