*ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform MakhdumKhusro Bakhtiar on Tuesday said that Gwadar would be transformed into adeveloped and smart port city of international standards with effectiveurban strategies.*
Chairing the Steering Committee meeting on Gwadar smart port city masterplan in Islamabad, Bakhtiar said that a robust policy was being devised toturn the coastal city into a regional hub of trade and business activities.
According to the statement issued from the ministry, Bakhtiar emphasizedthat the rights of the local population would be protected and they wouldbe facilitated in every possible manner.
The minister appreciated the work done by Fourth Harbor Design Institute(FHDI) on Gwadar Master Plan noting that earlier recommendations made onland use and policy framework had been incorporated in the proposed plan.
He expressed optimism that the master plan would be finalized soon whichwould then be submitted to cabinet for its final approval. Bakhtiar said,“Gwadar port has the potential to improve socio-economic lives of people ofthe city and Balochistan at large which will connect the region’s land andmaritime route thereby benefiting the entire region.”
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The minister underlined that Gwadar master plan was a major milestonetowards achieving an inclusive and sustainable development of the coastalcity.
He said that rights of the local population would be protected and theywould be facilitated in every possible manner enabling them to reapbenefits from the development of Gwadar.
Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal, Commander Southern Command GeneralAsim Saleem Bajwa, Secretary Planning Zafar Hasan, DG FWO Major GeneralInam Haider Malik, Deputy Chief of Mission at Chinese Embassy Mr. Zhao LiJian, members Planning Commission and others were present in the meeting.
