ISLAMABAD: As the last countdown to the next general elections on February 8 begins, preparations have gained steam around the country, with the majority of National and Provincial Assembly candidates intensifying their campaigns.
According to a PTV news broadcast, corner meetings, political camps, and rallies have grown commonplace in several cities.
Portraits and stickers of various political personalities, including Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif, Benazir Bhutto, Imran Khan, Sheikh Rashid, Hanif Abbasi, and others, could be plainly seen on rickshaws, wagons, Suzuki pickup trucks, automobiles, walls, and private buses, according to a Rawalpindi resident.
Another resident stated that the enthusiasm of candidates and supporters has reached its pinnacle.
While negotiations for seat-by-seat adjustments are ongoing among various political groups, it is commonly assumed that the contest will be between the government’s allies and the opposition parties, according to a politician.
The election campaign is gaining traction by the day, with banners and posters for political parties visible everywhere, except from traffic signboards on the road, according to a motorist.
The printing and selling of election-related merchandise has also increased, with wholesalers and merchants concerned about the huge volume of transactions.
“Many candidates are also turning to the social media to run their election campaign which also cuts demand for the offset printing material,” according to a user on social media.
Meanwhile, economic operations related to election material printing have seen a surge ahead of Pakistan’s general elections, according to a printing press worker.
The printing press owners stated that they have already received numerous orders from supporters of election candidates and workers from various political parties.
Voters and supporters of various candidates have also begun to put e-posters in front of their election offices and on the rear windscreens of motor vehicles to show their support, according to a political leader.
Similarly, the demand for flags in the city has soared, he said.
