ISLAMABAD, Dec 11: Thousands of people thronged the Jinnah Convention Centre to see the advancement of science and technology, and the innovation in major brands that add to the fast changing lifestyles of the consumers of the twin cities of Islamabad-Rawalpindi at the two-day 'All About Lifestyles' exposition that opened here on Saturday morning.

The exhibition, organized by the Dawn Group of Newspapers, has become the most-talked about event on the calendar of social and cultural activities in the federal capital.

Men, women and children, 'young and poor, rich and old' as well as foreigners eagerly visited different stalls, booths set up by leading national and international consumer-product manufacturers as well as Dawn interactive pavilions.

People flocked the Jinnah Convention Centre where access is usually 'strictly restricted' only for the 'VVIPs' attending international or national conferences, seminars.

The youngsters seemed more attracted to the building which they had only seen on TV screen or from quite a distance, before the charm and excitement of the 'Lifestyles' exposition caught their attention.

For the children, the 'Young World' pavilion was the 'place to be'. At a separate enclosure the children participated in various competitions, including poster, general knowledge, quiz, mural, face paintings and cardmaking. A jumping castle and ballpool area was another attraction for the children.

An extensive range of elegant and latest electronic equipment, household products, and ceramics were also on display.

Diplomatic representation from China, Kazakhstan and Iran was the most attracting additions this year. The embassies of the three countries had put on display their social and cultural and traditional face and cuisines.

Families could be seen drawn towards the stalls from China, Iran and Kazakhstan.

"Many Pakistanis do not know about the people of Kazakhstan. So what we are displaying is written material published in Kazakhstan, pictures and portraits by artists from our country to explain our culture and history to the people of Pakistan and the 'Lifestyles' exposition has provided us that opportunity", said Sapargaly Aubakirov, Deputy Chief of Mission and Political Counsellor of Kazakhstan embassy.

Chinese handicrafts, movies, portraits besides other material providing information about the achievements and rapid progress made by China and its people were put on display at the Chinese stall.

Chinese embassy's Culture Counsellor Shan Baoxiang said, "our task through this activity is to bring the peoples of Pakistan and China even closer and explain our warm feelings for each other. Its not about selling these products but to strengthen our friendly ties and promote cultural interaction at peoples level."

"We offer Iran to the people of Pakistan", said Fatima Avarseji, wife of Cultural Counsellor Iran who escaped from a large crowd that was keeping her busy and spared a few minutes to speak about her stall.

"In hundreds they have come to our stall. They like Iranian handicrafts, variety of candies we have brought with us, decoration items and many other household products. People have given us a very warm welcome."