Islamabad: Come winter and there is an influx of expos and exhibitions in Islamabad that provides a respite from hectic life and social activity on weekends.
Art and culture activities, Lok Virsa Mela, Behbud Mela and Top Expo held in Islamabad all have been charging entrance fee, leaving the public grappling with increased expenses for family outings.
Earlier, these events were accessible to all without any admission charges. Expos are mostly interior or exterior spaces for families to explore and engage with various exhibits featuring, book exhibition, property, furniture or various Pakistani handicrafts and cultural ornaments.
However, the recent implementation of entrance fees ranging from Rs400 to Rs500 per person has raised eyebrows and concerns among attendees and stall owners alike. The stall owners say that people who give a big amount of money at the entrance, only roam around and are unable to shop from the stalls.
They were of the opinion that entrance fee should be kept to the minimal so that we could sell more items.
Organisers say that the fees are charged only to cover event costs and enhance the overall experience. Many members of the families are expressing discontent over charging entrance fee and return from the ticket booths. Families accustomed to freely roaming around these showcases are reconsidering their participation due to the high entrance fees. Whatever used to be free for all, eating out, organic bazars, business, etc. is now 'pay to see', whether you buy anything inside or not.
Sanam Javed while roaming around the expo where food stalls were placed said that there are no seating arrangements in the expo. We can't even sit and eat here. “We just have to stand and roam around holding our plates. It's not worth our money that we spend at the entrance. Taking so much money for a family and then not providing us with the facilities is unjustified. There was no value for the money we spend at the entrance,” she added. Farhan, a student said, “We have come here to see the expo but they are charging Rs400, just to go inside and visit. Earlier we used to visit the Education Expo and it was all free so why charge for business or handicraft expos,” he added.
