BADIN, July 10: Prime Minister Saukat Aziz has directed the Finance Division, ministries and agencies concerned to implement the President's announcement in respect of writing off loans of the Zarai Taraqiati Bank of Pakistan (ZTBP) up to Rs100,000 to abadgars of Badin, Umerkot and Tharparkar districts.

Directives from the Prime Minister's Secretariat were issued (vide letter No.F.3/1877/Annou/ PR.G-I/PAW-07 dated July 5, 2007) a copy of the same faxed to the DCO Badin.

It said President of Pakistan during his visit at Naukot district Tharparkar on May 5, announced that to provide relief to farmers of Badin, Tharparkar and Umerkot, the ZTBL loans of up to Rs100,000 be written off.

It further announced Rs50 million for district Nazim Tharparkar for small development works.

When this correspondent inquired from local the ZTBL and other offices, none was prepared to disclose the directives.

Growers of Badin district have demanded early implementation of Gen Pervez Musharraf’s and Prime Minister’s directives and demanded action against officials causing delay.—Correspondent