LAHORE: While electioneering is in full swing for the Feb 8 elections, the business related to publicity material for the candidates has yet to pick up momentum due to confusion, a fast-changing political situation, price hike and other reasons.

       In Lahore’s Royal Park and Urdu Bazaar, markets known as hubs of printing, publicity, paper, and stationery, the business pace is not as it was during the 2018 or 2013 general elections.

       “This election has surprisingly appeared to be unique in terms of having a very small number of customers for publicity material (flexes, handbills, posters, flags, badges, stickers, banners, etc),” said Kashif, a printer, speaking to Dawn.

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       “In the 2018 elections, there were a number of candidates from all parties. But this time, a major political party (PTI), which used to spend a huge amount on the preparation of such material, and other candidates representing parties or contesting elections as independents are out of the market,” he maintained.

       Royal Park Printing Market houses nearly 200 printing shops, traders’ business offices, and other allied businesses. It is one of the largest wholesale printing markets, generating millions of rupees in business daily. Similarly, Urdu Bazaar is also the biggest wholesale market for paper, stationery, and printing, consisting of around 500 shops and offices.

       Amir, a worker busy preparing the material, said he has been working in this market for the last 20 years. “I have never seen such a situation during election days. Look, there are fewer customers roaming here,” he added.

       According to Arshad, a wholesale trader of paper at Royal Park, confusion and rumors about the conduction of elections, a lower number of candidates, and ongoing litigation in courts have marred the printing businesses not only in Lahore but also in other cities.

       “The candidates contesting elections as independents or those contesting elections as independents after the removal of the bat election symbol are taking less interest in electioneering amid the preparation of publicity material. Many candidates are busy with court cases. And some have weak financial capacity to spend on electioneering. All of this has badly affected our business,” he said.

       “Another issue is the confusion prevailing about whether elections would be held or not. Price hike is one more issue, as the cost incurred on the publicity material is four times higher at the moment than the 2018 elections,” he added.

       Riaz, a shopkeeper in Urdu Bazaar, mentioned that although the election campaign has entered the final round and will end a couple of days before Feb 8, the candidates confident of their success in the elections are also spending a smaller amount on their campaign due to price hikes.

       He said the business situation, in general, would start improving after elections.

       “I think the uncertainty would be no more after the elections,” he added.

       Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2024