From time immemorial, gold has been respected as the best used precious metal not only due to its usage in ornaments but also as a widespread means of investment 'a saving for a rainy day'. No wedding ceremony in Pakistan is complete without gold jewellery which traditionally has become the most expensive item on the dowry list for parents of brides and also for the prospective grooms.In Pakistan, like many other countries in the region, gold jewellery is more than a thing of beauty, a joy for everyone, particularly the women folks. It is the most credible mean of investment, which offers better returns than fixed deposits. The popular opinion is not unjustified as there has been a tremendous increase in the price of gold over the years.
Pakistan produces one the finest gold jewellery, particularly plain and generally studded, and its hand made designs are second to none in the world. It is also gifted with vast deposits of world class precious and semi-precious stones including rubies from Hunza Valley, pink emerald of Swat, and peridotes from Kohistan.The gold trade in Pakistan is entirely dependent on imported gold the primary source of which is Dubai. The previous government granted licence to a single importer, 'ARY', for import of gold into the country. The present government has granted licences to two more importers making three companies responsible for all the gold imports into the country. The import of gold is subjected to duty of $ 1 per tola (11.54 grams), which translates into about Rs 4 per gram at current exchange rates.
