Just 12 hours prior to the polls, the capital is still missing the zeal otherwise associated with elections, however, in the areas lying on the outskirts of the city, electioneering activities have peaked considerably.
In a stark contrast to 2008 elections, this time the camps of various political parties and activists have failed to attract reasonable crowd comprising of workers, activists and supporters, as most camps seem to be deserted.
On the main roads of the capital city, a large number of banners and posters of candidates contesting for the two seats in Islamabad, have been displayed in bulk. However, electioneering zeal was missing entirely from the scene.
Meanwhile, traffic flowed normally on the roads like any other day, however, a few cars and motorcycles were seen carrying the flags of PML-N, PPP and PTI.
On the other hand, a few vehicles carrying posters of JI Mian Aslam were also seen moving around city roads. The mentioned candidate commanded a strong vote bank in NA-48 constituency.
The build-up to May 11 elections have proved to be a blessing in disguise for children after the government announced vacations in connection with Election Day.
Two days before the historic elections commence, majority of people living in the capital have hardly expressed their enthusiasm by deciding against hoisting party flags or displaying posters of candidates outside their properties. Meanwhile, the traders have made public their affiliations with political parties by displaying banners and posters of their respective parties.
Keeping in view the ongoing terrorism incidents taking place across the country, the residents of the capital city preferred to stay inside their homes, where as a contrasting trend was being observed in rural areas outside the city where political activities were being carried out in full swing, as people were participating enthusiastically in rallies and meetings before the end of campaigning.
Furthermore, in areas located in the outskirts of the capital, including Barakahu, Tarlai, Dohkari Chowk, Rawal Dam Chowk, Chak Shahzad Golera and Malpur areas, election related zeal was touching its peak.
Here in the rural setup, flags upon flags of various political parties have completely changed the outlook of these areas. Loyalties here were divided between the PPP, PML-N and PTI, and motorcycles and cars were seen decorated with posters and banners of different political parties.
On the other hand, political parties and candidates were desperately trying to sum up their campaigns by holding corner meetings and public gatherings.
Rangers and military forces on Thursday evening have taken charge for security the capital and to foil any bid of terrorism, whereas earlier police and other law enforcement agencies were maintain strict checking on the roads, setting up roadblocks in most parts of the capital city.
PML-N candidate Tariq Fazal Chaudhry held a rally Bari Imam while a major PTI rally, led by Havaid Hashmi, was held in D-Chowk. Jamat-e-Islami held its public gathering in the hockey ground in G-7, whereas PPP-P rolled up its electoral campaign in Bara Kahu.
According to statistics, a great part of the country’s vote bank exists in the rural areas, and the activity happening around the capital city provided robust images, as a larger number of youth passionately participated in political rallies.
