ISLAMABAD, Feb 15: Dawn’s All About Lifestyles exposition, a leading annual extravaganza, ended amid much fanfare at Jinnah Convention Centre here on Sunday.

The two-day exhibition brought a breath of fresh air to the tense atmosphere in the wake of prevailing security situation in the region.

Thousands of people from the twin cities thronged the venue to enjoy the shopping-cum-entertainment extravaganza. Erected as an architectural symbol, the Convention Centre enclosed stalls of leading brands from the country.

The expo, which brought the buyers and the sellers together, showcased technological and cultural developments as well as manufactured products from across the country in a highly charged atmosphere.

Visitors strolled through the exhibition lawns, taking advantage of discounts and other exclusive offerings. Many of them received gifts from the exhibitors promoting their products.

People also appreciated the relatively lower prices of various items at the expo. “It feels great to be here at the exhibition as these days no major entertainment activity is going on in the twin cities,” said Ms Seema, mother of four.

Seema, 31, an expatriate, added that: “This was a much needed entertainment for the people of the capital as terrorism in recent past had brought bad name to the city.”

On one corner of the floor of the Convention Centre, where Books and Authors stall was an attraction for the book lovers, National Language Authority Chairman Iftikhar Arif was sitting among his fans.

The famous poet and scholar was answering the queries raised by the young and old, who were asking him about his life experiences, poetry and literature.

“It’s great to sit with the poet as you get an advice and energy to focus on things leading you towards a brighter future and doing an effort to make Pakistan prosper more,” said Momina Maqsood, a visitor to the exhibition.

Modern music blasted through the speakers at the FM89 stall while the special music attraction was live performance of young and emerging drummers who kept the audience on their toes.