KARACHI: With just a few weeks left before the country goes to the polls on Feb 8, Karachi— a city known for a vibrant political scene and energetic electioneering — is unusually quiet.

In fact, a Dawn survey found that the enthusiasm and fervour witnessed during the past three general elections, i.e. 2008, 2013 and 2018, is completely absent this time around.

A visit to different areas of the city yielded empty roads, desolate roundabouts and bare buildings that would normally be streaming with campaign banners, fluttering flags and standards, and the hustle and bustle of political activity.

The printing and selling of election-related items, has also yet to pick up, with wholesalers and vendors concerned over low sales.

Speaking to Dawn, the wholesalers lamented the notable decline in demand for their wares. Due to the subdued demand, shopkeepers and wholesalers can be seen sitting idle in their stores, waiting for customers to come their way.

Subdued sales of poll material attributed to unenthusiastic candidates

However, this is not to say that merchandise has not been prepared so far. Many enterprising traders have already printed all sort of election-related items— buntings, pins and buttons – as well as face masks emblazoned with faces of political leaders like Imran Khan, a unique post-Covid addition to this coterie of campaign paraphernalia.

But the shopkeepers say they have manufactured these items of their own accord, and have yet to receive any orders. Resultantly, these items are generic in nature, and do not sport the names, faces or constituency numbers of specific candidates. Most importantly, all this material has been made by the traders out of their own pockets.

When asked why there was such a decline, the wholesalers attributed it to election candidates who being cautious preferred to refrain from investing in these election items, all due to the uncertainty about whether the elections will be held or not.

One uncertainty also revolved around the PTI’s electoral symbol as many were waiting for whether Imran Khan’s party would retain the ‘bat’ symbol or lose it because the printed material would be of no use in the latter case. However, it becomes clear now as the party has lost its symbol.

An interesting observation was the hushed and subdued atmosphere in areas like Lyari Town, Liaquatabad Town and Kati Pahari, which were once major spots for political campaigns. Besides many other city areas, there used to be corner meetings and rallies particularly in these places.

But these neighbourhoods now reflect an unusual calmness. The walls that once showed expressions of citizens and supporters of political parties through banners and flags now stand bare. It is as if all the excitement for the elections has died down.

Published in Dawn, January 17th, 2024