January 24, 2008	Thursday	Muharram 14, 1429

HYDERABAD, Jan 23: Growers of Badin district have rejected the loan recovery relief package announced by the Zarai Taraqqiyati Bank under which it has written off loans up to Rs100,000.

An emergency meeting of the Badin chapter of the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture held here and presided over by its president Mohammad Khan Sarejo, discussed the package. It observed that former prime minister Shaukat Aziz had issued orders to write off original loan up to Rs200,000 and with interest up to Rs5 million but the bank did not implement that order and now had come with a new order said to be issued by President Musharraf to write off loans to the extent of Rs100,000 only.

Terming the package ridiculous, the farmers discussed different options, including moving court for implementation of former prime minister’s package, launching of protest or waiting for next government after elections. It deferred final decision to a meeting of the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture which is to be held Hyderabad on Friday next.

The meeting was attended by vice-president of the Badin chapter of the chamber, Mohammad Hassan Dal, Haji Mohammad Thebo, Abdul Karim Junejo and other growers.—PPI