Tearful Benazir thanks people of Pakistan

Karachi, Oct 18: Former Prime Minister of Pakistan and chairperson of Pakistan People"s Party (PPP) Benazir Bhutto today turned emotional after she landed at the Karachi airport, ending her eight-year long self-exile.

After being greeted with thousands of supporters just outside the Jinnah International Airport Karachi, where she landed from Dubai along with her two sons, sister, nephews and party supporters, Bhutto was seen weeping and occasionally looking to heaven with prayers.

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“I am overwhelmed to be back," she said as her entourage slowly moved towards the heart of the city where she will be addressing a mammoth rally later in the day.

'I am sure that democracy will be restored in Pakistan,'' she added.

Soon after her Emirates flight arrived here she headed off to the mausoleum of Pakistan"s founder Qaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah to pay homage.

Taking into consideration that there might be an assassination attempt by forces owing allegiance to al Qaeda and Taliban, Pakistan"s Interior Ministry ensured multi-layered security arrangements for the dignitary.

She is expected to stay in Karachi for three days, after which she will proceed to her hometown Larkana and to neighbouring Naudero to offer prayers at her late father and former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto"s grave.

Thereafter, she will leave for Islamabad for possible talks with President General Pervez Musharraf.

She is also scheduled to undertake a road trip to Lahore.

Bhutto is the second former Prime Minister to return to Pakistan during the incumbency of the Musharraf regime. Earlier, PML (N) leader Nawaz Sharif had arrived in Islamabad, only to be bundled back to Saudi Arabia. He has announced that he would make a second attempt to return after November 15. ANI
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