PESHAWAR, Nov 23: The Higher Education Commission on Thursday approved a Rs32.929 million project of the NWFP University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, for setting up a gemstone development centre.

Sources in the university said the project aimed at enhancing expertise in the sector and training of manpower.

The centre will offer six-month courses in basic geology, mine engineering along with practical training in gemmology, gem cutting and polishing according to international standards.

It will train 40 students in gemmology and 20 students in gemstone cutting and polishing in each batch.

It will provide database on latest international trends and demands with quality specification for buyers and investors.

The centre will also test, characterise and evaluate samples on demand of interested parties.

It will help improve production of better quality gemstones to compete in the international market.—APP