The federal budget for fiscal year 2011-2012 is as ridiculous as the budgets which have been presented by different democratic and dictatorship regimes. It has not surprised me that only 1.4% has been allocated for education in a country where literacy rate is around 50%, considering the fact that only 1.69% lucky ones have studied in some college. Some say that the cause behind illiteracy in Pakistan is poverty. Thanks to our government who has relied on handouts based scheme like Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), rather than launching new industries which can provide people with employment, not charity. Undoubtedly, the 12% increase in defence has relieved Americans whose war is fought by Pakistani army. The government of Pakistan has successfully attained its goal of crushing Pakistanis and soothing its American allies.
MAHWISH HASSAAN
Lahore
