Sir: Unfortunately our finances and the economy are in bad shape. Taxes are being increased and the infrastructure is not being built. Energy is and will continue to be a big issue in the coming years. The poor in Pakistan are facing a tax onslaught. Why is the government not taxing the rich who have excessively high incomes and ample wealth? The federal and provincial governments should stop whining and think a bit harder about getting their own houses in order. Our ruling elite must stop wasting our money, stop sucking excessive resources and stop pushing our country into bigger debt holes. The real issue is not insufficient government income. It is excessive spending. With the beginning of the New Year 2014, I request our government not to make the lives of the people miserable with skyrocketing inflation and excessive taxes but try to lessen their miseries and economic pain. We are hoping for a year filled with peace, prosperity and progress and not disorder, destruction and doom. HASHIM ABRO Islamabad