A CITY OF POTHOLES: My cousin recently came home on a visit after spending five years in Europe. We had studied together in Karachiback when surviving potholes was part of the daily adventure. As we moved towards the University Road on the way from the airport, he looked around and asked me if it was still the same. I nodded `proudly`.

As we approached the University Road and our car started to bounce over potholes that have now become craters, my cousin laughed, saying he missed this sort of a drive in Europe. The roads there, he said, were boring, smooth and predictable.In contrast, accordingto him, every drive on roads in Karachi is a thrilling survival story. Karachi keeps you awake, he insisted. Some cities build amazing monuments. We build memories one pothole at a time.

FarazJaved Karachi SORROW AND HAPPINESS: Are pain, sorrow and grief so strong that they can `kill` people while they are still alive? We have conquered the world, but have not been able to conquer our own feelings.

If this is not helplessness, what is? The way out of this situation is not to forget the small joys in our lives. As such, we feel sorrow with all our heart, so why are we so careless with happiness? We have to live each moment, we have to teach ourselves to live within ourselves, we have to feel the joy of, say, even a nice cup of tea. We are human beings, and we have to value ourselves.

Only then will life feel meaningful.

Malaika Urooj Karachi FORGOTTEN VOICES: For the last two decades, the residents of Chaghi have been silently suffering from chronic health and environmental issues. Many in the region suffer from cancer, respiratory issues, skin conditions, and there has been an alarming rise in miscarriages. There has been a clear decline in vegetation and animal life, while the area continues to face drought-like conditions. The relevant authorities should spare a moment or two for the forgotten voices of Chaghi.

ZareefAhmed Absor