QUETTA, Jan 18: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Mir Mohammad Yousuf has said that interests of the local population would be given due protection while preparing the master plan for Gwadar.

Talking to a delegation of office-bearers of PML-Q from Turbat district led by MPA Syed Sher Jan and district president of PML Syed Nasir Ahmed here on Saturday, he said a high-level meeting was being held to finalize the master plan that would be attended by the ministers of federal departments as well.

He said establishment of an industrial zone in Gwadar was also included in the plan where industrialists would be provided special facilities. He said that it would boost the economic activity in the area and create employment opportunities for the local people.

He assured the delegation of contacting Wapda officials for lifting a ban on agricultural tubewell connections, problems regarding electricity meters and establishment of cold storage for dates. The government was also taking steps for provision of facilities to growers and resolving their problems in order to promote agricultural activities in the province, he added.

The chief minister held out the assurance that steps would be taken to compensate the losses of owners of the lands acquired for construction of Mirani and Shadi Core Dams.

He said the government was making efforts for equal development of all areas of the province specially the coastal areas.

He expressed the hope that the PML government would play an historical role for the development of the province, stability of country’s economy and laying a firm foundation for its progress.

The delegation invited the chief minister to visit Turbat which he accepted. —APP