Sixty three years ago, Pakistan declared independence on August 14. On this day this year, though, Pakistanis have had little to celebrate as they find themselves beset by a never-ending string of problems. A severe power shortage has made their lives a misery and has killed off most of the industry in their country. "Democracy is the best revenge" said the present rulers on assumption of office but the 'democracy' they have gone on to provide has been no better than the dictatorship we had. Democracy they have given us is a sham that has renderd the argument for it to be stupid. The country is being run by an autocratic President while the so-called democratic setup is rotted to the bone with corruption. The opposition has become a partner of all crimes instead of being a check on government. In fact, there is no opposition in Pakistan as virtually all major political parties are busy making hay while the sun shines. In public appraisals of each other, they simply keep scratching each other's back. The recent Gilani-Nawaz meeting (August 14) is a clear evidence of that ever present mutuality. The people, meanwhile, are suffering from poverty, price increases, kidnappings, target killings, unemployment, total absence of law and order, bombings and floods. All they have left to look forward to in coming months is a looming food crisis. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that the floods might wash away the current government for it has failed so miserably in responding to the situation that anything is possible. Had it not been for the Army, human and economic losses would have been unimaginable. The people's hatred of their government is increasing with every passing day. Let us wait for PPP's doomsday. -MAHBOOB ALI RAND-HAWA, Sukkar, August 15.