Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto ended eight years of self-exile yesterday, returning to Karachi where more than 200,000 supporters poured onto the streets to welcome her home.

"I am thankful to God, I am very happy that I'm back in my country and I was dreaming of this day," a tearful Bhutto said as she disembarked an flight from Dubai and kissed a Kuran once she stepped on Pakistani soil.

There is strong speculation President Musharraf will end up sharing power with Bhutto after national elections due in January.

Musharraf has already granted an amnesty to protect Bhutto from corruption charges brought by the government of Nawaz Sharif.

The Supreme Court is hearing challenges to the president's right to have stood for re-election while still army chief, even though he has promised to be sworn in as a civilian leader.

Agencies

(China Daily 10/19/2007 page12)