SUKKUR, June 17 The budget has disappointed traders and the people, say office-bearers of the Sukkur Chambers of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), and the Sukkur Small Traders Association.

Criticising the national budget 2009-2010, SCCI president Khalid Mahmood Khan said the textile sector was the backbone for the economy of the country, but no efforts were made for its benefit.

In the last financial year, exports of textile products had decreased by 35 per cent, but no one had given attention to improving the situation, he said.

According to him, the finance minister played with words, and there was a little hope for the revival of economic situation.

SUKKUR TRADERS Sukkur small traders said the budget would result into price hike and unemployment.

President small traders Haji Haroon Memon said the 15 per cent increase for salaried people and pensioners was of little benefit as they had already been suffering from 35 per cent price hike.

An increase in the withholding tax would also push the prices further up, he said.