People from different walks of life at the rally expressed the hope that the PTI would actually deliver.—APP photo

KARACHI: Representing from the elite to labour classes and every district of the city, people attending the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf rally at the Quaid’s mausoleum on Sunday sounded optimistic about the beginning of ‘change’ in national perspective and ‘non-violent politics’ in Karachi.

Young men and women enthusiastically waved PTI flags as national and party songs were played at the rally, called by PTI leaders ‘a message of unity for Karachiites’.

People from different walks of life at the rally expressed the hope that the PTI would actually deliver.

Though portrayed on the broadcast media as one of the biggest political shows in Karachi, it remained below the expectation in terms of numbers as a large area of the Bagh-i-Quaid was unoccupied till dusk.

Emotions ran high among the participants, including old citizens and those arriving at the venue on wheelchairs, eager to see and hear Imran Khan, who is now recognised as a force to be reckoned with after his successful shows of political prowess in different parts of the country.

“I have been in Sudan for the past three years, doing a job there,” said Muhammad Qasim, an engineer from Model Colony, who had come to attend the rally with friends.

“I am here with my several friends. We are not here for fun but obviously for serious and ideological reasons. There must be a beginning of nonviolent politics in the country, particularly in Karachi.”

The Bagh-i-Quaid had a large number of people, mainly youngsters not even registered as voters, thinking the same way as Qasim did.

Syed Umair Ali, a third-year student of the University of Karachi, and Agha Talib, running a restaurant in North Nazimabad, had common thoughts despite more than 20 years apart in their ages.

“I am a little disappointed to see the number of people attending the rally, but quite optimistic about the beginning of change we need badly,” said Talib. “My relatives from different parts of the city are here. So you can’t say that this venue represents a particular class or area of people.”

The university student Ali, however, said the PTI was now transforming fast from an ‘elite class’ party into an organisation of the common people.

He said he believed the party would need to strengthen its organisational network in Karachi, but feared that it might face resistance from ‘political opponents’.

Sahibullah, a trader of secondhand clothes in the Light House market, having been doing business in Karachi since 1988, said he had faith in Imran Khan’s words, particularly about his anti-ethnic politics in Karachi and anti-American stance on the ‘war on terror’.

“My family members have been faithful to the Pakistan People’s Party and Awami National Party for years, but one can no longer trust the parties after their remaining at the helm for long,” he said.

“We have been hearing Imran Khan for years and it’s time to give him a chance. In Karachi I should say the Pakhtuns are quite optimistic about Pakistan’s future.”

The rally, which appeared to be representing pure middle- and lower-middle class people of Karachi, also attracted those having tilt towards right-wing parties stance.

Awais Alam, holding a portrait of Dr Aafia Siddiqi, suggested different reasons for pinning his hopes on Imran Khan.

“I think Imran Khan will deliver. If he speaks about a welfare Islamic state, one should test him. His promises reflect the true spirit of democracy and a welfare Islamic state,” he said.