Karachi is the biggest city in Pakistan and also one of the most thickly populated cities in the world. Its population has increased rapidly and accordingly has given rise to many social problems. People of this metropolis are becoming more and more concerned about solving these serious problems, some of which are discussed below.

The ever increasing rush of heavy traffic on the roads is resulting in heavy loss of human life. One day or the other, people suffer form accidents due to reckless driving. Some lose their vehicles and some go to the police. This is due to lack of civic sense in the citizens and violation of traffic rules. Traffic jams, road quarrels, untidiness and damage of public property is also a result of this problem. The government has not done any planning to control this situation in the past two decades.

In the same manner, the government has never emphasized upon population distribution. As a result, slum areas are rapidly being built, where poor labour lives. The disordered development of small houses is spiling the outlook of the city, as well as creating problems of illegal electric connections, water supply and pollution. The authorities have failed to reclaim the locations from these people.

The acedemic career of children in Karachi is unpredictable due to lack of good schools and institutions. The need of recreational institutions, parks and play grounds is also felt at times and most of all joblessness creates problems for poor people.

Another problem faced by the citizens of the city is the frequent power breakdowns. Every other day, K.E.S.C cuts down the electric supply without notice. This becomes a great hurdle for industries and professional that use electric machinery for their work. Disturbance and shortage of water supply is also a cause of discomfort among the citizens. Sometimes, the dirty and unfiltered water becomes a major factor in food poisoning, which usually takes place on festive occasions, when demand of water in the city increases. Any measure to improve the supply of filtered water has also not been adopted by the government. Problems due to improper drainage system are also becoming a matter of concern among the people. The alarming in crease in the disorderliness of drainage lines is posing serious threats for people, especially in poor areas. Filth and dirt runs down a channel by the footpath and children play over it. We have malaria, cholera and dysentry still destroying our children because such things exist.

The attitude of beggars in Karachi is the most irritating problem. They are worthless idlers robbing good-natural people. It has become their regular practice to crowd public spots and cheat people. The adverse effects of begging problem are noticeable in sum areas.

There are too many dirty and ownerless dogs roaming about in the streets of Karachi. They spread many diseases and sometime become a danger by injuring people.

Lack of environmental care among people and drivers of public service vehicles is giving rise to pollution problems. Dust fills the air in most of the roads all the time. Improper turned cars fill the atmosphere with deadly smoke at hours of rush, which causes disease among the policemen and common public. The blowing of pressure horns is always there, deafening the ears.

Karachi is also often subjected to terrorist activities. Bomb blasts and firings at public spots are resulting in great loss of human life. The terrorists deserve no less than capital punishment. It is the duty of the police to intensify their investigation to stop such activities.

For the well to do class, life in Karachi may be fascinating, but for other citizens it is a center of drawbacks. It is only through the concentrated efforts of each and every person, including the members of law-enforcing and administrative agencies, can we overcome these serious problems of the metropolis.

It was the 27^th day of July and the last day of competition I had participated in the All Pakistan Software competition. I read the advertisement in the newspaper three months ago, in which software programmers were invited to send in their software for the competition. I worked hard for about one month and made the software, which was then selected by the panel of judges and I was invited to participate in the event. Now, after three restless days, the event was coming to an end. But, there was a closing ceremony to come, in which the best programmers were to be awarded prizes.

I had been waiting for the day with anxiety and curiosity. I got up early in the morning and prayed to God to grant me success. I was rather uneasy and restless. My mind was swinging between expectation and apprehension. It was an inexplicable situation of uneasiness and anticipation. I was not sure about what to expect. My parents and friends had high expectations of me. At one moment, I though that I would win but again I feared if I do not. I knew that there is always an element of chance, how good one may be. I was in a very disturbed state of mind.

The closing ceremony was yet to commence. The sand of time was running out. I was getting more and more restless. At last, I reached the exhibition hall and found my seat amidst the participants. The ceremony started with the speech of the organizing committee and then that of the chief guest. They all emphasized on the importance of software development in the country and measures for its promotions. Finally, the judges were invited to the dais to announce the best programmers of the competition. At once, absolute silence covered the audience. At the moment, I still remember that my legs were trembling and heart throbbing. In less than a minute, the judge announced the name of the person who had won First Prize in the big event – and that was me! I was filled with a feeling of greatest joy and excitement. I thanked God and ran to the stage with every body congratulating me. The chief Guest handed me the winning shield. I was requested to express a few words about my success. That was a speechless moment. Filled with emotions and in high spirits, I thanked God, my parents and all my friends who had helped me in my achievement.

When I reached home, my parents were exhilarated with delight and joy as I gave them the good news. My siblings rejoiced my remarkable attainment. When I informed my friends and relatives them came to congratulate me. Tea and sweets were served to all. Every body was in a jolly and happy mood. My mother prepared pleasant edibles for lunch and we dined altogether. Never before was I so happy.

In the evening, many other relatives and friends came to congratulate me. My father welcomed them cordially and thanked them for their kind visits. We passed the whole day cheerfully. In fact, it was the happiest day of my life, which I shall remember for many years to come.

Cricket is one of the most popular and exciting out door sports. Some of us get the opportunity to play first class cricket, but there are millions who enjoy seeing it being played. It gives us moments of leisure and pleasure and fills us with a competitive spirit. I witnessed the demonstration of the greatest excitement and determination at National Stadium, Karachi.

It was a fine day. A large number of people including men, women and children from all walks of life gathered there to enjoy the match between Pakistan and New Zealand. To be a good sports team, one has to be aggressive and this was shown in the final between the tw3o teams. New Zealand won the toss and invited Pakistan to bat first. This was a big blunder that their captain had made. Shahid Afridi and Saeed Anwar were sent as openers. It was a right decision by the captain, because Shahid Afridi slammed the ball over the field. It was due to his hard hitting that Pakistan achieved a good start. Saeed Anwar was very careful and most of the time simply obstructed. The bowling was quite strong, due to which Saeed Anwar was not able to score a single run for the first fifteen minutes. But as time passed, he grasped the strategy of the bowlers and began to fully support Afridi. He completed his half-century by playing keen and beautiful shots. When he was at a score of 88, the first slip caught him smartly. In this way, the first wicket of Pakistan fell at a total of 130. After him, Shahid Afridi could not steadily face the bowlers and proceeded towards the pavilion in a short time.

Ejaz Ahmed began his batting when the Pakistani team was playing at 135. Along with Inzamamum ul Haq, he pulled up the score to 170. The next four men were dismissed very quickly – two bowled one caught and one out leg before wickets. However Moin Khan made a stand and was able to increase the score to 218. At this moment, 10 overs remained unbowled and three wickets in hand. Wasim Akram played a beautiful inning and Pakistani team snatched a total of 269 for 8.

This terrifying score marked down the morals of the New Zealand Team. They made a poor start, as their first wicket fell when the score was only ten. However, their middle order batsmen made a great effort and cheered the Kiwi Team. Inzamam ul Haq was the person who caught the second middle order batsman at 70. The following batsmen also played quite well and raised up the score to 220 for 5. This situation was exciting and pointed out to the defeat if Pakistan. However, when Wasim Akram came to bowl, the hopes of Pakistanis revived. He bowled extraordinary well and just after 5 overs, the New Zealand team had reached to 260 for 7. The rival needed barely 10 runs to win in 1 over. The down order batsmen shook up well. Score kept on increasing gradually and they reached to 266. It was the last ball; New Zealand requiring 4 runs to win and Waqar Younis was on the other side of the wicket. As soon as he bowled, the wickets were slammed and Pakistan was granted another exciting victory over New Zealand. The crowd went in mad uproar, congratulating their national champions for the great success.

As we enter into the new millenium, we find that man has taken great strides on the path of scientific and technological advancements. We have harnessed all the resources of nature and made their maximum utilization for the benefit of human race. God has gifted man with various natural resources but it is up to us whether we use them for the welfare or destruction of mankind. Nuclear energy is one of such things that can lead us to the zenith of success and glory in the service of the suffering humanity or plunge us into the abyss of total annihilation.

In order to stop the horrific destruction caused by the explosions of atom bombs, the UN General Assembly adopted a treaty entitled Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) on 10^th September 1996. It is yet to be signed by forty-four states after fives years, which include the seven nuclear capable states. It is indeed amazing to know that the United States and the other Western nuclear powers are bitter opponents of CTBT, while they enforce it on other nations of the world. Having conducted 715 out of 1030 known nuclear tests and exercising nuclear option, Washington was instrumental in having the NPT extended unconditionally and indefinitely all over the world.

Nuclear energy can be put to both constructive and destructive use. As we cast over eyes on the bitter and realistic side of the picture, we cannot help coming to the conclusion that nuclear weapons are monsters of death and destruction. The greatest danger from the misuse of nuclear energy lies in the possible temptation of a nation possessing it to employ it against another that does not. The scale of destruction by a nuclear weapon would make any normal political or governmental control virtually impossible. Looking at the other side, we find that nuclear energy can also be used for peaceful, constructive purposes. Radioactive by-products are used for treatment of various diseases. It can also help in producing electricity, which can be of great assistance in various projects. Hydroelectric power project can also make use of this energy, and thus add to the comfort of mankind. Nuclear energy can convert barren deserts into blooming fields, a stark requirement in these days of food shortages. It can help in banishing disease, taming turbulent rivers and making life more beautiful and happier.

The seven nations that possess nuclear energy must realize that nuclear weapons are not merely deadly weapons but are of a completely new nature. A part from the horrific destruction caused by their explosions, they can contaminate whole areas of the earth by radioactivity, which may last for even thousands of years.

The best solution lies in the fact that the countries possessing nuclear energy use it as a deterrent against war, and at the same time, explore possibilities for using it for the welfare of human race. A meaning full treaty should make linked to global disarmament, irrespective the nature of weapons. The use of nuclear weapons should be prohibited because the only hope of mankind’s survival is to abandon all these utterly destructive weapons for all time.

As we turn over the pages of history, we come across the development made by man in different walks of life over the centuries. From the primitive Stone Age to the modern computerized era, every step of man has proved to be the milestone in the history of civilization. Modern science has evolved over a long period, and has now reached the peak of success. It has worked wonders in our life, but it cannot be said that it is altogether a blessing. When we look at the other side of the picture, we are filled with a sense of horror. The fear of war and destruction hangs over our heads all the time. In order to understand the creative and destructive aspects of modern science, we stand in need of an analysis that will help us differentiate between the good and the bad.

As we look over the brighter side of the achievements of science, we come to realize that there is hardly any sphere of life that has not been enhanced by the creative abilities of man. In the field of medical science, knowledge and research has gone to such an extent that almost all the ailments have found a cure. The threatening clouds of death no longer haunt the patients who were otherwise filled with despair. Epidemics have been wiped out, nutritional standards have been improved, drug therapy has been recognized and hygienic conditions are being created so that the new generation may enjoy a longer and better life.

In the realm of communication, modern scientific inventions have helped a lot. The far-flung corners of the world have been linked together with a wide spread air network. Distances have lost their meaning and thousands of miles can be covered within hours. Travelling today is not only swift, but also full of pleasure and luxury.

Modern science has opened new vistas of entertainment. All the new electronic gadgets have filled our lives with recreational variety. From the small pocket sized transistor to the big screen television and VCR, we are provided entertainment at home and we owe it all to science. Readers are provided illustrated, colourful books due to the blessing of modern science in the form of latest printing machines and techniques. Such means of entertainment have brought about a change in our habits and hobbies.

The advantages of science are not restricted to the urban population. In the fields of agriculture, forestry and fishery, science has provided the rural population with the latest implements and know-how. The new methods of agriculture have boosted the production of farms and fields. With the use of different kind pesticides, the crops remain undamaged and the tillers of the soil get better return of the labour. This increase in output not only improves the condition of the toiling masses, but also brings about a healthy change in the economy of the country. This keeps on moving the nations on the path of progress and prosperity.

As we cast our eyes on the other side of the picture, we cannot help coming to the conclusion that science is also the monster of death and destruction. Man is selfish and pugnacious by nature. To fulfil his jingoist designs, he stands in need of the most destructive weapons, which could bring about the annihilation of his rivals. Man has gained knowledge in the field of science, but due to lack of wisdom, he is misusing this knowledge. All big nations are thinking of fulfilling the dream of becoming the super power. The wars of today are not limited to the battlefield. It brings about epidemic killing of the civilian population. The knowledge of this domain has added immeasurable danger to war. All the leading powers posses fatal weapons, and it seems that the weaker countries are their mercy. These big nations talk a lot about reduction in arms and they hold disarmament conferences. However, their practice is quite contrary to their preaching.

Science, no doubt provides, new ways of entertainment, but these very means of amusement are bringing a sharp decline in the moral values of the young generation and equally sharp increase in the number of crimes. The TV and video provide entertainment but they quite often become the channels of vulgarity and obscenity. Moreover, new ways of crime are shown to younger people, who adopt the path of getting easy money.

Looking at the two aspects of modern science, we conclude that science by itself is neither good nor bad. It is the will and intentions of man, which makes him, put it to constructive use or take it to the path of devil.