Despite the sloganeering on an austerity drive that starts at the top, Islamabad VIPs show no signs of parting with Mercs or clearing out VIP aircrafts hangers. The PM House has cut down expenses by 40 percent but others with lesser jobs are not willing to let such notions cramp their style, especially since they are not paying for it. They say that Islamabad stocks more bulletproof limo in its VIP quarters than it has flour in its food stores. Word has it that bureaucrats keep coming up with statistics that show no saving in substituting Suzuki's for Mercs and taking commercial flights instead of personal planes. And the city's VIPs fully approve of such wisdom as they whiz around in Mercs and aircrafts. The Parliament's Economic Advisory Committee may be pushing for removal of subsidy on petrol but who cares about rising fuel prices when some one else is footing the bill. A VIP, they will have you know, has a petrol expense account that could feed a 100 families, maybe more. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Being a member of the minority community in Sindh is proving to be an asset for one man anyway. This one had a lucrative license to sell liquor which kept him in style and comfort in the past. Yes, there were those nosy Excise and Taxation Inspectors, always on the prowl, checking ledgers and carrying out surprise raids. It was becoming rather inconvenient and expensive. But that problem has now been sorted out. Our license holder has now been doubly blessed. He has become a member of the Sindh cabinet with the portfolio of Excise and Taxation. Now, some may say this is getting the fox to guard the hens but then who cares for such idol chatter.