Electioneering picks up

LAHORE: As Pakistan gears up for February 8 general elections, the excitement is palpable both online and offline.

This excitement is not just confined to mainstream and social media. Though a bit late this time, a surge is being witnessed in activity on the ground as party offices are being set up in political constituencies and traditional political gatherings are kicking off, signaling the start of the election fervour.

And amidst this buzz, Urdu Bazar, known for its bustling stationery market and print shops, has become the centre of election preparations. Printers in Urdu Bazar are working tirelessly to produce a myriad of election paraphernalia, including party flags, posters, badges, and symbols. The streets of Urdu Bazar are alive with the vibrant colours of banners and pamphlets, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Notably, Urdu Bazar is witnessing an uptick in activity as more people flock to buy these election items. It's not just political leaders but workers; supporters are also actively participating in the preparations, adorning their respective party offices and gearing up for election day. This enthusiasm is expected to grow even further as the election draws closer.

Additionally, vendors are stocking up on election supplies to cater to the demand during election rallies and specially on the polling day, i.e. February 8, 2024. This surge in activity reflects the nation's anticipation and readiness for the upcoming elections, making Urdu Bazar a dynamic hub of election fervour.

“The printers are receiving a steady stream of orders to prepare posters, stickers and other election materials, indicating the behind-the-scenes momentum building up as the nation prepares for this significant event,” said Muhammad Makki, a trader in Urdu Bazar, while talking to The News.

Waheed, a printer, said that printers were receiving orders not only from Lahore but also from various parts of Punjab. He noted that this surge in activity had also led to the creation of a gig economy, with many graphic designers and other workers now involved in the preparation of election-related materials. A vendor, Ishtiaq, said he was buying badges from Urdu Bazar and special scarves of different political parties from Shah Alam Market, popularly known as “Shahalami”, as these items were in high demand especially during political gatherings which were being held in different constituencies across the provincial metropolis. He further said since Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lost its iconic electoral symbol of bat, most of its election related material consisted of colours of the party flag unlike other major political parties including PML-N and PPP.

Another trader, Tahir, said unlike the PTI ready-made election related material was available in stock for most of the political parties and since each of the PTI candidates was now having a different electoral symbol, the same was being prepared on special orders.

Undoubtedly, the bustling activity and surge in demand for election-related items not only reflect the nation's enthusiasm but also highlight the significance of this democratic process.

The festive display of party merchandise and the energetic preparations across various constituencies are a testament to the country's commitment to democratic values. This election season is not just a political event but a celebration of democracy.