The PPP may be the current government in power and therefore part of the medium term problem but the fundamental structure of Pakistan has been problem-casing since the creation of the country. Too much money spent on the highly politicised military and ISI has been a constant since the late 1940s. Massive national resources spent on Pakistan's unproductive nuclear weapons program has formed another dangerous foundation and distraction. An almost feudal land system supporting absentee landlords is another basic economic and social problem.

Also the fondness with which Benazir Bhutto is remembered seems to forget the astronomical corruption, Swiss Bank accounts and nepotism of her years in power.

There is no special sanctuary outside the PPP for Pakistan. No hope for the next General who will take power. Pakistan's problems have been there since the late 40s while the PPP between Generals is just stirring a permanent mess.

More of my views on Pakistan are here: http://gentleseas.blogspot.com/2009/12/zardari-is-balance-of-bad.html

Pete

im unsure what your trying to say

quote...''Officially, Pakistan’s inflation is 15 to 20 per cent per quarter. ''

that equates to 60 to 80%
per year

then you say quiote..'the price of bread has increased by more than 85 per cent ....>>in the last three years,

petrol by at least 35 per cent
and liquefied natural gas by nearly 57 per cent.''

this appears to be below?
the 60/80 percent per annum mentioned earlier

quote]..'The basic necessities of life
are getting out of the reach of ordinary Pakistanis - who are also facing massive electricity breakdowns and gas load-shedding.''

this indicates that there isnt enough supply
not that people cant afford that supplied

of course quote.."Ordinary Pakistanis would say that they are simply false.''

noting the advert has attracted a supplier of gas elect

the inflation numbers indicate a logical truth
but not a statistical truism

''The rising cost of food and fuel
has caused a general decrease in consumer spending.''

this could be increased quoite easilly by keeping the power/gas.. on
not off...[the load shedding is aboutcontroling the population..it directly affects industry..thus the gdp...they are able to produce

the inflation is from the rich getting richer
and not investing in new infastructure..that would increase the productivity of the people...this is clearly a deliberated adgenda

maybe its governance
or govt not serving the real needs of its people

stop spending cash on the nuke /war industry
give more handouts to the poor...

make the army build the infastructure
not tear it down

its not public-private partnerships thats required
but govt serving its people the basic nessisities

a hungry belly has no will
a full belly has no conscience