December 03, 2007	Monday	Ziqa'ad 22, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Dec 2: The two-day All About Lifestyles exposition which concluded here on Sunday relieved the thousands who visited it of some of the stress of political and judicial crises.

Fun and lively mood that prevailed at the Jinnah Convention Centre where the expo was held turned out to be the antithesis of the sombre look that the nearby Constitution Avenue and Diplomatic Enclave have been wearing for months.

“This expo has brought life and smiles back to the capital,” said visitor Mohammad Alam sipping his creamy cappuccino in a somewhat chilling evening.

The event provided a refreshing opportunity for family outing where one could have a blast with friends and peers. The shopping-cum-entrainment extravaganza got a sunny sky after a couple of days of clouds and rains on Saturday as the sun continued to illuminate the city on Sunday making the venue pull towards its bosom an increasing number of eager visitors.

But, these were the dogs that stole the show. The Dog Show competition jointly organised by the Dawn Group of Newspapers and the Kennel Cub emerged as a crowd-puller. About 160 dogs of different breeds participated in different competitions, but it was the Arry Potter (an English Pointer) of Mohammad Nasrullah Khan of Daska which turned out to be the best of the Show.

Another dog of Labrador breed named Bonyland, owned by Lindsay Young, was awarded as the best puppy. The Reserved Best Puppy competition was won by an English Pointer owned by Emane Room.

From French Poodle to Springer Spaniel and from Mastif to the Australian Shepherd and Boxer and Rottweiler, the show offered a much variety.

“Dawn’s All About Lifestyles has been inspiring the dog lovers in the major cities of the country as far as the raring and training of pets are concerned,” said Dr Faisal Khan, one of the organisers of the show.

He said the organisers had excused to accommodate hundreds of late entries in the competition, but still it took the whole Saturday to hold competitions of only German Shepherds. Mr Khan said the trend of imported breeds was getting pace in the country’s major cities and the expo had a role in it.

The Young World corner sponsored by the Ministry of Health’s Teeku programme remained the hub for a large number children. The ministry had also organised a magic show for children. Its out-of-the-box concept of Teeku is aimed at propagating the importance of vaccination that is essential to protect children from seven deadly diseases. The corner offered a variety of activities to children including quiz and face painting.

The Masalah Food Court not only kept visitors busy in eating but also had an opportunity to see the cooking art by the country’s leading cooking experts including Kukab Khwaja.

The dancing competitions for children and youngsters organised by the FM89 radio attracted a large number of teenagers. The competitions set the stage for a perfect lively conclusion of the city’s mega event at 10pm.

The stall of the National Aids Programme also attracted a large number of people to get free literature on the fatal disease.