KARACHI, Dec 22: There was a large turnout of people at the country’s largest and most popular three-day exhibition. All About Lifestyles Winter 2006 began on Friday afternoon at 3pm at the Expo Centre.

Despite most public transport being off road because of a strike, hundreds of families were present in the six halls in which the exhibition is being held. They were keenly interested in the products on display.

There are 120 exhibitors who have set up stalls, displaying various consumer goods, in six huge halls of the Expo Centre, while a large number of stalls selling food stuff; and different enclosures where various contests are being organised; have been set up in the vast open grounds of the Expo Centre.

Entry to the three-day exhibition, which is held since 2000, is free and for families only. The exhibition is open from 11am to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday as well. One entire section, Hall 6 consists of science projects presented by different schools.

Everything is available at this exhibition from electronics appliances to cosmetics and from clothes to handicrafts.

Lifestyles Winter 2006 provides consumers a chance to examine different products under one roof, all of which are offered at competitive prices and bargain discount deals. The exhibitors also benefit as they attract a large number of visitors and prospective customers – nearly 350,000 in Karachi at Lifestyles Summer 2006 -- in two full days plus a few hours following the inauguration which is always a Friday afternoon.

At many stalls, exhibitors are offering numerous products at below market price with scores others offering free gifts with products. Many corporations are also distributing gifts, toys giveaways especially for children to promote their corporate image.

The exhibition also includes numerous other activities and contests. These include a cat show which was held on Friday afternoon. The other contests to be held are the All Breed Championship Dog Show; German Shepard Dog Show; a roller skating exhibition; a beach volley ball tournament. There is also a pavilion where the consulates in Karachi of foreign countries have set up stalls. A vast play area is the centre of attraction for children.

Sindh governor Ishrat-ul-Ibad also visited the exhibition soon after the inauguration. He went around various exhibition halls and appreciated the Dawn Group of Newspapers, for holding an exhibition regularly since last six years which is eagerly awaited by Karachiites. He also saw a display of combat skills by Pakistan Rangers which was held in the grounds of Expo Centre. — Staff Reporter