June 01, 2008	Sunday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 26, 1429

RAWALPINDI, May 31: A senior member of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) says the spiralling prices of daily-use items and political uncertainty is compelling the downtrodden and middle class to start thinking what they are getting from the country.

Former MPA Agha Riazul Islam is totally disappointed with the new government and fears that the coalition partners would not be able to address the basic issues of the people.

Talking to Dawn, he said he was sent behind bars eleven times during martial law regimes and was tortured, adding the present setup is the most complicated one.

“Just imagine what we have delivered to a common man? Our women stand in long queues despite paying huge prices for food items. Our ladies cannot find a seat in a bus and we politicians are just spectators. We have not been able to develop consensus on a single issue.”

To a question, he said there was no justice in the country and no guarantee of public security, arguing that when killers of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto were not yet exposed how can an ordinary man get justice.

In reply to a question, Mr Islam said the upcoming budget would determine the future of the new government, adding the common man should immediately be provided relief otherwise the people would lose trust on political parties.