Bullet proof cars were already transported from Saudi Arabia late Saturday, November 24, to prepare for the arrival of the 57-year old Sharif and his family, sources of his Pakistan Muslim League party told BosNewsLife.
A special aircraft Boeing 777 carried Sharif, his brother Shahbaz Sharif and 26 other family members and close relatives from Medina to Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, a BosNewsLife reporter witnessed.
Officials had only allowed 100 party workers or leaders to welcome Sharif but scores of other activists managed to climb over police barricades, entering the airport to welcome Sharif.
SHOUTING SLOGANS
Supporters were seen shouting slogans in favor of Sharif and against the government of President Pervez Musharraf, who has refused to end the state of emergency. There were chaotic scenes with activists carrying pictures of Sharif and banners painted with prayers for his party and family members.
This was Sharif’s second attempt to return to Pakistan, after being deported unceremoniously to Saudi Arabia in September when he had briefly landed in Islamabad.
Several political parties and activists have said they hope Nawaz Sharif’s arrival will be a good omen for the country and helps to return to democracy in Pakistan.
CHRISTIAN MINORITY
Especially representatives of Pakistan’s embattled Christian community are monitoring the situation closely. They hope a new government will be able to unite the country and help end Islamic extremism that has plagued several regions of the country.
The return of Sharif came shortly after the government freed former Pakistani cricket legend Imran Khan from the Dera Ghazi Khan Prison.
"He was detained under anti-terrorist act and we have received orders of Khan’s release," jail officials told BosNewsLife via phone this week.
