1. The Gap Between Rich and Poor in The World Today 

In the world of 1995, there are still huge differences between rich and poor, developed and less developed countries. But why? Who is to blame? What can we do about it? Many things have been tried out to solve these problems, but does it work. It seems bizarre, that we, modern, intelligent people, have not yet succeeded to get rid of the differences between DCs (developed countries) and LDCs (less developed countries).  

We try, don’t we? Every year, we grant 2% df our Gross National Product, GNP, to foreign aid to help the LDCs to get a better standard of living (better agriculture, more and better schools and hospitals, access to health personnel, medicines, etc.). On the other hand, is our “standard of living” the best for LDCs, and the one we should impose on them? For instance, what is the point of giving complex machinery like tractors and harvesters, which need expensive fuel and maintenance, to people who have harvested their crops by manpower for hundreds of years?  

We know for a fact that the money we grant is not being used adequately. A lot of the money is taken by the governments of the less developed countries, and a great amount of the sum are not being used to the purposes they are meant for. Bribery and corruption are huge problems in developing countries.  

It makes more sense to dig wells for people who walk for miles every day to get their daily water supply, than to support officials with BMWs and grand houses.  

The World Bank was established, and a large amount of capital was poured in, of the fact that the Third World lacked the level of infrastructure, the economic and social background, and the skilled personnel of Europe. The failure of this model of economic development to produce economic well-being and growth for most Third World countries is due to a number of factors.

These factors include the concentration of economic resources in the hands of the rich and of unrepresentative governments) the exclusion of the large majority of affected populations from economic decision-making, and the integration of Southern economies in an international market where they cannot compete equitably.  

The industrialized countries are still holding the less developed countries down. It’s the DCs who decide coffee-, tea- and sugar-prices, and consequently exercises an indirect control of the countries’ economy. We also protect ourselves with high import-taxes and low import- quotas. Increasing protectionism in Northern markets shut off some Third World exports, while at the same time, the increased export of some natural resources, lumber from forests, for example, created the conditions for rapid environmental destruction. At the same time, a major debt crisis developed, particularly among those countries in the South that were producing primarily for Northern markets.  

As the 1990s began, popular movements that included farmers, workers, women, environmentalists and community groups in the South were challenging the adjustment policies and large-scale projects that were ruining the poor and the environment. The goal for these groups is sustainable development: building and protecting a base for long-term development by protecting the natural-resources base, sustaining local culture and traditions, and achieving economic growth by building on the capacities of local populations.  

In Africa, there are established, with help from, among other countries, Norway, mobile doctors, who visit villages and remote places on regular basis. There are also built a lot of schools with foreign help, there is no doubt that the educational system in most of the LDCs has been improved a great deal over the past few years. These are examples of “basic human needs” programs which are run with some success because the host-country governments impose their own solutions on local problems. This way of cooperating with the host-countries has proved to be the best way of “helping” the developing countries to develop in their own pace and their “Third World”-way. I guess this is what have kept the Third World countries undeveloped for such a long time: That we have imposed on them OUR development with Its flaws, disrespect for nature and other cultures, and the greediness which threatens to ruin the balance of our environment. 

2. Tourism in Pakistan 

This cosmos is vast enough to explore. It is full of natural beauty. This natural beauty is the revelation of the creative work of the Almighty Allah.  

Man has always been much curious to know the mystery of this universe. He wants to explore this mysterious universe. It is his profound desire to get awareness about the secrets of nature.  

There are countless people in this world that are fond of traveling. They travel or different purposes. Their objectives may be exploration, research, awareness or delight. This traveling is given the name “Tourism”.  

Tourism has now become an industry and it is growing very fast in the countries, which are full of natural beauty. There are vast plains, hills, mountains valleys, rivers, lakes and brooks in this country, which enhance the natural beauty of Pakistan. This natural beauty is really fascinating which attracts the tourists towards its landscape. The sights and scenes of the valleys and mountains of Pakistan are so beautiful, amazing and inspiring that is provides a peaceful satisfaction to our soul.  

Tourists from the whole world especially from the western world come to Pakistan to see these beautiful places like Sat, kaghan, Kalam and the Muree hills. These are the most beautiful places of Pakistan and the source of spiritual delight. 

There are a number of other historical places, which are the reflection of past tradition and culture.  

There are some other places like Moen-jo-Daro, Harapa and Taxila, which are the revelation of ancient civilization of Pakistan. These expressions are the reflection of the past culture and civilization. These historical spots are of archaeological interest.  

The government of Pakistan set up the department of Tourism in 1960. There are number of branches, offices and hotels in Pakistan which have been set up for the purpose of flourishing trade of tourism.  

Tourism is the best paying industry. It is the source of earning foreign exchange, which is the basic need of a government for the development of its planned projects. Tourism is also concerned with the hotel industry. It ascends the economic growth. Income received from this trade may be utilized for the progress and prosperity of rural areas.  

It is the duty of the government of Pakistan to take profound interest in this flourishing industry because of the fact that tourists are supposed to be the ambassador of a country and it is a fruitful industry, which strengthens the relationships among the nations.

3. While the World Sleeps 

When I wake up to the ear-splitting sound of my alarm clock, and blindly search for the snooze button, a sudden thought dawns: “What am I doing?”   

The time is 5:30 AM; all is dark and hushed. My weary body feels completely drained of energy. While straining to open my eyes, still warm and snug in my comfortable bed, I am overcome with a feeling of lethargy. “Perhaps I should call in sick.” Despite all my musing, and my bed’s magnetic pull, I still manage to rise each morning at this ungodly hour to join the cross-country running team in rigorous training.   

Cross-country running, a sport that requires the fusing of body and mind, strives to maximize your physical ability by testing your mental tenacity. Everyday represents a new struggle to beat yesterday’s maximum output, an issue of mind over matter. I have known the agony of this conflict since I joined the newly established cross-country team. As convincing as my morning doubts are, I do not heed them. Through pains and sprains and through adverse weather and unfavorable conditions, I run because I made up my mind three years ago to succeed.   

With amenities such as cars and buses, I have no pragmatic reason to use my feet, especially if I lack a destination. I do not run to the gym to acquire a stylish figure, for my slender frame does not require it. And this grueling run differs from a relaxing jog to a coffee shop. I am pushing myself constantly to run faster and farther, for my team as well as for personal glory.   

Somehow with tireless effort and unflagging commitment, I run through the sleeping streets of my neighborhood with the awareness that I am steadily reaching my goal-maintaining the discipline that cross-country demands. In my mind I see a victory line that symbolizes the results of perseverance and hard work. This line makes me realize that ambition and tenacity do not go in vain. And it constantly reminds me that all those morning in which I struggled to leave my cozy cocoon have allowed me to fly.   

While the world slept, I, Jane Smith, was awake and working hard to attain my goal. I feel more confident now, that on the road of life, when others may be walking, I will be running. I will run through ankle injuries and through fatigue. I will endure the inevitable hills and valleys. I will endure, and I will achieve.