THIS government has done nothing for the common citizen. People were expecting an economic boom and more employment opportunities.

There has been no foreign investment and even existing industries are fighting for survival.

On the other hand, the government is blowing its own trumpet by publicising the Benazir Income Support Programme.

The government believes that by dishing out money to its voters the people would learn to stand on their own feet.

Most probably people will end up becoming malingerers, seeking handouts for their entire life.

We were also expecting reforms in the educational system. What we see is a drastic cut in Higher Education Commission funds.

This was the first step the government took after assuming power.

Does the government feel threatened by an educated Pakistan?

Again, we expected a massive work on our infrastructure which would have helped us become a leading industrial nation.

We expected new roads, power plants, bridges, hospitals, markets, airports, industrial cities.

What we see are drastic cuts in development expenditure because of abuse of funds by the government to help MNAs, MPAs and ministers maintain their princely lifestyles.

ZIA PARACHA Karachi