PESHAWAR, Nov 1: The government has written off agriculture loans to the tune of Rs260 million outstanding against farmers in quake-hit districts of the NWFP.

This was stated by federal Minister for Political Affairs Amir Muqam while talking to delegations from Kohistan, Shangla and Batagram districts on Thursday.

He said that Erra was working on projects at a cost of billions of rupees in the three districts. On completion, these projects will bring about a major change in the area.

He said that Rs95 million agriculture loans had been written off in Batagram district, Rs100 million in Shangla and Rs55 million in Kohistan district.

He informed the delegation that work on electricity provision up to Dasu was in full swing and the project would be completed in scheduled time.

A thirty-member ulema delegation also called on the federal minister and discussed issues relating to peace in Swat.

The minister said that great responsibilities lay on the shoulders of ulema to play their role in the maintenance of public order in Swat.—APP