KARACHI: Preparations are in the final stages as Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) hosts its first major rally on Sunday since it started a voracious campaign for the coveted NA-246 seat in the upcoming bye-election.

PTI expects a mega audience for the rally, which is being held at Karachi's Shahrah-e-Pakistan. The decision to hold the rally at the famous Jinnah ground in Azizabad was earlier cancelled by PTI owing to "administrative issues".

Also read: Battle NA-246: PTI decides not to hold rally at Jinnah ground

PTI chief Imran Khan, who visited Karachi few days earlier, had hinted that their public meeting could not be held in the Jinnah Ground as he felt it was not large enough to accommodate “hundreds of thousands of PTI supporters”.

PTI expects a mega audience for its rally today. Photo Courtesy: PTI Official Twitter

The rally is expected to commence early in the evening, reportedly to avoid the daytime's sweltering heat.

Shahrah-e-Pakistan — the road leading to Water Pump from Liaquatabad Number 10 — has been sealed for traffic by authorities who have placed shipping containers as effective blockades.

PTI workers and organisers are sparing no effort in ensuring their rally is a success. Special attention has been paid to the arrangement of some 30,000 chairs, which are to follow a certain scheme of design and colours.

As is customary for rallies held by PTI, high-quality sound systems and musical arrangements have all been taken care of by DJ Butt — PTI's veteran music guru.

Take a look: Dance with DJ Butt

Many roads leading to the venue have been blocked as security personnel stand guard to prevent any mishap.

PTI Chief Imran Khan has expressed hope that today's rally will be "splendid" and Karachiites will "enjoy" today's gathering.

PTI's contender for the NA-246 constituency Imran Ismail is optimistic today's rally will be "record-breaking" but did not appear too happy with the city administration with regards to their cooperation for the rally's arrangement.

Ismail complained that the venue, which was to be handed over to PTI workers at 12 midnight was not handed over until 4 in the morning.