Thousands converge for Imran's 'tsunami' rally in Karachi

Thousands of people, including women and children, on Sunday converged near the mausoleum of Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi for cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's massive "tsunami" rally seeking a "change" in the country.

The rally began with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's leaders addressing the crowd gathered at the Bagh-e-Quaid, adjacent to the mausoleum of Jinnah.

'Peace in Karachi, a stable and progressive Pakistan' read a giant banner on centre stage. The rally lit up once Imran Khan entered the venue and went to the main stage to resounding cheers and slogans.

Every time Imran waved back with a big smile to the sea of people carrying red and green party flags and many wearing caps, the crowd cheered with slogans 'Imran Khan Zindabad', 'Tehreek-e-Insaaf Zindabad'.

All roads leading to the Quaid-e-Azam park, the venue of the rally adjacent to the Jinnah's mausoleum, 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.

Braving the warm weather people including families, women and children had started entering the venue since morning and even though the rally started late and Imran arrived at least three hours late it didn't dampen the spirits of the people.

"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.