New year a la Karachi style

Once again its that time of the year when the world is celebrating, rejoicing, partying and welcoming the new year with moments of happiness spent with loved ones. Meanwhile Karachiites as usual will be confined to their houses waiting for the clock to hit 12 and the city echoing with deathly rounds of bullets fired in the name of celebration. This followed by bikers from all corners of the city taking over the roads with their rash driving and one wheeling antics.

Throughout the world New Year's eve is celebrated with joy and happiness, special concerts, fireworks and events are planned. But like everything else going in the opposite direction new year's eve seems like a curse for us. We shut off the entire city; all the malls, cafes & restaurants close down at 6 pm and police mobiles are deployed to stop people from entering multiple areas of the city. I have never understood the point of being such a kill joy on this auspicious occasion.  

We have one of the youngest population of the world. Depriving them of all sorts of healthy entertainment avenues like sports, music and cultural activities will surely lead them into the wrong direction. As a result most of them become rebellious and engage into unhealthy activities. The most dangerous is taking up arms and drugs. Despite the ban on display of weapons & aerial shooting the amount of rounds fired on new year's eve is just unfathomable. It amazes me every year with the kind of firing sounds I hear in that one dreadful hour. Its like we are equipped with the most modern and state of art ammunition in the world. And what a perfect day to let everyone know! 

Rash driving and accidents are also very common on new year. Youngsters on motorbikes feel kind of independence when they are riding and speeding adds to the thrill. This coupled with dangerous road stunts without any safety gear turns in to a deadly game. Now if only there were other activities for them to indulge into for this evening, I am sure most of them would not think of risking their lives on the road.

There are so many healthy activities that can be planned for this evening. Friendly matches in different areas of the city, musical concerts, funfairs, displays of fireworks, food and cultural shows can really liven up the spirit of the metropolis on new year. But sadly like every year this year too it will pass off as a gloomy and dreadful evening while we welcome the new year with bursts of firing throughout the evening.

A typical Karachi style new year check list: 
- bike serviced/tank full
- silencer removed
- one wheeling practised and excelled 
- ammos cleaned/oiled/loaded 
- shift to sea view till 2016