Pakistan Advertising Association is the sole organization representing the advertising profession on all Pakistan basis. It was established in 1973 and was registered with the Ministry of Commerce, Government of Pakistan. This Association has also the privilege of being a member of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA), which holds Asian Advertising Congresses every second year in member countries wining the bid. No doubt Pakistan is a developing country with a relatively less developed industry. But advertising agencies are not all that new. Actually, the PAA was preceded by an Advertising Association of Pakistan (AAP) that was first formed in the early 50’s by the pioneering advertising figure, Mr. Wajid Mahmud. These were the early years of independence, when whatever industry existed was served by foreign ad agencies. Things begin to change. Foreign ad-agencies that used to repatriate their profits from Pakistan soon began to either pack up from Pakistan or convert into local companies, now headed by the Pakistani ad practitioners who were once the employees of these foreign companies.
Pakistan Advertising Association also held “16th Asian Advertising congress” (ADASIA-89) in the year 1989 at Lahore which was marked as one of the very successful Asian Congresses. PAA also held two National Congresses namely First Pakistan Advertising Congress in 1979 and the Second Pakistan Advertising Congress in 1994. The National Congresses were successful events and participants from within and outside Pakistan applauded the success. Pakistan Advertising Association is working for the benefit of the advertising profession ire general and for the member advertising agencies in particular.
PAA is helping the member advertising agencies to enhance the standard of designing art and creativity in press adverting and television commercials giving excellence awards every year in befitting ceremonies.
The last 10 years have ushered in a new era of socialization with the advertising industry in Pakistan. Established agencies have expanded the scope of their operations, many setting up specialist division in the process. New agencies have come on the scene, promising specialized brand-building solutions. A plethora of specialists below the line advertising service providers have emerged, as have a wave of new media companies all slowly but surely increasing their claim to the client’s overall budget.
