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KARACHI — For many Pakistanis the 2007 was nothing less than troubling and bloody.
Thousands of people, including scholars and politicians, were killed in bomb blasts, suicide bombings, train accidents and military operations.
An eight-day onslaught on the Red Mosque in Islamabad claimed the lives of hundreds of people, including students, security personnel, women and children.
Military operations were stepped up in the restive northern tribal belt and Balochistan against local Taliban militants.
The year was the worst as far as military deaths are concerned with over 500 troops killed in ambushes, suicide bombings and fierce battles with pro-Al Qaeda and Taliban militants.
At leas 250 soldiers were also abducted by local Taliban in north Waziristan.
The suspension, reinstatement and ouster of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudry sparked an ongoing lawyers movement for the restoration of democracy and rule of law.
Former premier and opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, thirteen days before general election.
IslamOnline.net interviewed seven individuals of different backgrounds in Karachi, Pakistan's second largest city, for their perspective on 2007 and hopes for 2008.
Fahad Hussein (head of computer section in a local firm)
I am totally pissed off at the moment. The murder of Benazir Bhutto has not merely shattered the common Pakistanis, but has also risked the integrity of the country.
No doubt, the nation was already mourning the Red Mosque killings, and the assassination of Ms Bhutto compounded our miseries. I am not a pessimist, but I find it difficult to be optimist especially after recent events.
But being a Muslim it is our faith that every misery and happiness is on the part of Allah. And we have to bow to that.
Also, being a Muslim, we cannot be pessimist. We have to be hopeful that after every pain and misery, something good awaits us.
Raees Jafri (Karachi Press Club Manager)
It was a bad year for us. Nothing good happened to us.
In my opinion, the poor man suffered a lot during last year. His buying power reduced to a great extent because of ever-increasing inflation.
Apart from the government's claim about booming economy and so called foreign reserves, the common man's life was badly affected due to unchecked price-hike and growing inflation.
The benefits of the so-called booming economy did not touch the common people in 2007.
Let us pray that the new year brings whatever in favor of Pakistan as we have already suffered a lot. We don't have anything more to loose.
I hope that 2008 will bring the lost happiness to the people of Pakistan.
Iqbal Ansari (Accountant)
There is no second opinion that 2007 was one of the terrible years in our history.
But we must remember that this is life and it has to go on. We should
instead of mourning those horrible events move forward with renewed vigor and national resolve.
We are because of Pakistan. If Pakistan survives, we will survive, if Pakistan is harmed, we are harmed. Therefore, we should think positively, and move forward.
In my opinion, the general elections should not be postponed for a longer period.
If they are postponed a week or two, it's ok, but not for months, otherwise, the nation will be compelled to think that this all (Bhutto's murder) has happened for that.
If an elected government is installed after the general elections, everything will start coming into shape.
Jameel Ahmed (Photographer)
The entire country is burning. We are about to split. What do we have to celebrate in these circumstances.
We all friends used to go to beach and celebrate the new year. But this time we have no vigor to go out. We all are depressed.
When I think about celebrating the new year, the pictures of Benazir's children come in my eyes. And I can't think anything more.
I don't have anything to befool myself that something good will happen to us in 2008. Nothing has changed. There is the same government, same military operations, same suicide bombings and killings.
Why should I hoodwink myself and others that something good is waiting for us?
Unless and until this system is toppled, nothing lucrative will happen.
Khalid Hussein (Receptionist)
The lawyers movement is a glimmer of hope for Pakistanis. Instead of being pessimist, we have to get united and back this struggle because if there is an independent judiciary and common people like me have the surety that justice will be done to them, then no one will opt for suicide bombing or terrorism.
Before March 9 (the day Justice Chaudry was suspended), like many Pakistanis I was a disappointed person, but now I am very hopeful that the rule of law is waiting Pakistan in 2008.
You will see many changes in 2008.
Those who feel depressed that there has been no change in the state of affairs since long, they will not be disappointed in 2008. The elections will change everything, and a new political culture will appear.
Riaz Shah (Telephone operator)
No doubt, my heart is bleeding after the death of Benazir Bhutto, who no doubt was a bridge between the four provinces.
But I am sure her sacrifice will bring real democracy in the country.
Irfan Hussein (Cook)
I don't think about that even. I have nothing to do with old or new year.
I know only one thing that whether it is 2007 or 2008, there will be no change in the life standard of people like me.
We have to work hard like cattle and earn livelihood for our children.
This country has been made for rich and powerful. And in this power game, someone looses and someone wins, but they both have no interest to improve the life of common man.
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