PM directs ZTBL, HBFC to stop recovery of loans in Malakand

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 By By our correspondent

PESHAWAR: On the complaint of NWFP Finance Minister Muhammad Humayun Khan, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has directed the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) and the House Building Finance Corporation (HBFC) to stop recovery of loans from the people of the Malakand Division. These institutions have been directed to avoid disturbing people of the militancy-hit areas. A handout said the federal government was also working on a special relief package for providing respite to the people of the division in agriculture, industries and business sectors. It said the PM issued the directives during a meeting at the Prime Minister Secretariat on Monday, which was also attended by Humayun Khan, Minister of State Hina Rabbani Khar and NWFP Secretary Finance Sahibzada Saeed Ahmad. Humayun told the meeting that Malakand was one of the most backward areas of the province and the war on terror had caused a serious setback to its agriculture, industries and business sectors. He said the people of the Malakand Division were facing serious difficulties for the last few months because of terrorism and putting burden of loans and interest on them would add to their miseries. The PM also directed the Wapda officers to work out all the pending problems of the NWFP and ensure their solution.