Thousands converge for Imran's 'tsunami' rally

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Thousands of people, including women and children, converged here today for Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's massive rally seeking a 'change' in the country, with the organisers dubbing it as a 'tsunami'.

All roads leading to the Quaid-e-Azam park, the venue of the rally adjacent to the mausoleum of Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, were jammed with buses, trucks, cars, motorcycles and pedestrians who were eager to reach the place.

Mindful of the response to Imran's call for Karachiites to attend the rally in large numbers and show their support for a change in the country and against corruption, the organisers had set up giant video screens outside the park for people who could not find a place inside.

A sea of of people, including women, children and even disabled persons, stood shoulder-to-shoulder braving the afternoon heat as they listened to Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders' speeches, but waited for Imran to make his much-awaited appearance.

Imran, who was yet to reach the venue, was the notable absentee at the main centre stage set up for the rally as other leaders of the party started their speeches, with crowds singing and raising slogans like 'Imran Khan Zindabad', 'Tehreek-e-Insaaf Zindabad' and 'Pakistan Zindabad'.

The Quaid-e-Azam park was swamped by people carrying the red and green Tehreek-e-Insaf flags and wearing party caps. People had started converging at the venue since morning, hours before the rally was to begin.

"We are here because of Imran Khan. We believe he can make a better Pakistan and bring changes," shouted Maleeha, a hijab-clad woman who had come with her fiance to the rally.