The present political and economic situation in Pakistan is quite worrisome. For the past few month, our country is in a grip of a severe political crisis. The 18th amendment has totally changed the 1973 constitution and almost all the political parties are involved in it. Hurdles have been placed in the way of justice because like past our political leaders want to subdue the judiciary. Corruption is also very common in Pakistan. On the other hand, target killings and kidnapping for ransom is very common especially in Karachi. Hundreds of people have been murdered due to target killing. Administration and justice is nowhere to be seen. Every government organization is suffering from corruption and bad administration. Our economy is gradually crumbling as can be seen from the shortage of gas and electricity. Majority of the factories are closed and what was left behind has been destroyed by the floods. Unemployment, sickness, poverty, hunger are now making the lives of people miserable. And it appears as if dreams about democracy have been shattered. Now the degree of helplessness and frustration can be gauged from the number of people who are committing suicides. MADEEHA DAR, Lahore, October 20.