GILGIT, March 24: A research institute for protection, promotion and cultivation of herbal plants in the Northern Areas would soon be established at the Karakuram International University (KIU).

Talking to newsmen on Tuesday a representative of National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP), Dr Tahmina said the NEAP (support programme) in collaboration with the UNDP and the environment ministry would soon launch a research-oriented institute at the Karakuram International University which would be equipped with modern labs and research facilities for phyto-chemistry research.

She said the project would cost over $1 million. "We would seek funds from the Italian government and our thrust is on students so that the experts in herbal plants could be produced locally", Dr Tahmina said.