MANSEHRA, July 27: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has directed NWFP chief secretary to make arrangements for provision of compensation amount and interest-free loans to the earthquake-affected traders and shopkeepers of Balakot, Dawn has learnt.

In a letter, written in response of an application of the president of All Trade Associations of Balakot, the prime minister issued instructions for the provision of compensation amount and loans to those traders who were not compensated and benefited by the Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority earlier.

In his letter the association’s president, Asif Khan, had said that the earthquake-affected traders of Balakot were deprived of benefits announced for earthquake victims.

Mr Khan said all shops were destroyed in the earthquake. But, he added, the compensation amount announced by the government had not yet been provided to the affected traders.