QUETTA, April 5: Balochistan Governor Abdul Quadir and Chief Minister Jam Mir Mohammed Yousaf on Saturday directed the officials concerned to ensure that the rights of the local people were protected in the Gwadar Master Plan.

They also directed for resettling the people whose lands were acquired for the project besides ensuring payment of compensation to them.

Speaking at a briefing about the GMP in Gwadar on Saturday, they stressed the need that Gwadar should appear as a modern trade centre of the region after the implementation of the Master Plan.

They directed the officials concerned to pay special attention to the future requirements of the area.

Earlier, a representative of Nespak, Abid Ali Chohan, briefed the two on the plan, saying the first phase of it included construction of roads and residential areas, complete with the latest civic amenities, establishment of export processing zone and industrial and trade centres.

The second phase would include construction of ship-manufacturing industry, and oil and gas terminals besides laying a 515-km-long railway track from Gwadar to Dalbandin.

The Gwadar airport would also be enlarged to accommodate international passenger and cargo flights.

Federal Minister for Education Zubaida Jalal, provincial Finance Minister Ehsan Shah and other officials were also present on the occasion. —APP