Amidst the explosive sound of thousands of fire crackers, gun shots and fire works a new year was born. A riotous explosion of colour and sound coming out of a sudden feeling of a new beginning. Every new year is born with memories of the past, feelings of the present and expectations of the future. Unlike any other midnight we have learned to accept the new years as a time for remembering and expecting – a time to look back and to look forth.

We remember all that has passed, the Karachi Metroblog was started to give a collective voice to so many disparate voices. Over time it is actually not the writers who have contributed as much to the Metblog as you, the readers. The regular involvement of our readers has given this site the reach and depth that we had envisioned when we started this Metblog for the city of Karachi. We wanted to capture the city on a page. With so many voices, coming from so many parts of this city, and so many parts of so many other cities, it would seem that we have succeeded in our goal. And so, we start a new year with the expectation that the Karachi Metblog will make a difference for the better. Just as we had planned for it.

Now, as we embark on a new journey full of surprises and challenges, that we shall call 2006, let us hope that the fires of optimism shine all the more potent and powerful and all challenges are faced and conquered,

Have a wonderful 2006 readers,
Have a wonderful 2006 Karachi,
Have a wonderful 2006 Pakistan.

And, here is to a new year,

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I’ll be mine,
And we’ll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou’d the gowans fine,
But we’ve wander’d monie a weary fit,
Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl’d in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
Sin auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie’s a hand o thine,
And we’ll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne.