DUBAI, 19 October 2007 — The scenes in Dubai, from Benazir Bhutto’s residence in Emirate Hills to the Dubai airport, were just a dress rehearsal for the mammoth welcome that awaited the Pakistan People’s Party chairperson in Karachi.

About 200 people from Europe, Middle East and Africa had already arrived at the airport well before 6 a.m. (5 a.m. Saudi time) to embark on the “Caravan of Democracy.” The airport was abuzz with excitement and anticipation as party officials, workers and well-wishers gathered either to join the caravan or just see off “Mohtarma” — as Benazir is reverently called.

Those going to Karachi, including this reporter, on the same flight as Benazir had enthusiasm and determination writ on their faces as the crowd patiently waited for their leader’s arrival. Banners saying “Democracy Will Dawn on Pakistan,” “Caravan of Democracy,” were flashed by the crowd as they hoped to be part of history in the making.

Mian Munir Hassan, a party worker, was just ecstatic that “Mohtarma” was returning to Pakistan. “Her return heralds the return of democracy in Pakistan,” he gushed, adding, “We all have gathered here from Europe, Africa and Middle East to see her off and some will join her on her trip to Pakistan where millions are expected to welcome her.”

Tariq Butt, a PPP official from Abu Dhabi, too was confident that Benazir’s journey to her homeland would usher in a new era of democracy in Pakistan. “Benazir has a long history of fighting for democracy and the millions who will be welcoming her are ready to join her in this fight to restore democracy in Pakistan,” he said.

He said all the supporters are happy that Benazir struck a deal with the government, adding: “This was done in the interest of the country. She opted for a better way than agitation.”

The supporters were given minute-by-minute account of the status of Benazir’s arrival to the airport and when she left her home in a black-colored Mercedes a loud cheer rent the air.

Dressed in a green shalwar kameez with her head covered in a white dupatta, Benazir acknowledged the cheers of the slogan-chanting crowd. “Prime Minister Benazir.” ‘Raj Karegi Benazir (she will rule),” “Aayegi, Aayegi Benazir (she will come),” were some of the slogans being shouted by her supporters as she stepped into the car which had her husband Asif Ali Zardari in the front and her two daughters in the back seat with her.

The convoy of 100 cars then left for the airport and they reached the airport around 6.55 a.m. where she was taken to the VIP lounge. A Sindh member of Parliament and other party members emphasized the need for “Bibi” to return to Pakistan.

Khalid Rana, the vice president of PPP Riyadh chapter, summed up the prevalent feeling. “It is a defining moment for Pakistan. Her return will be great for Pakistan and great for democracy,” he said, adding, “Her return also shows Benazir and PPP are ready to face anything — even the false charges that were leveled against her.”

By 9.10 a.m. the people gathered had all boarded the Emirates plane as the slogan shouting continued inside the plane. Security had to be brought in briefly to curb the supporters’ enthusiasm as some of the followers stood on the seats, craning their necks just to get a glimpse of their leader. Benazir calmed the situation by thanking all for their support and those on the plane, for traveling with her.

Soon the plane took off for Karachi with the party members renting the air with various slogans — the central being “Change is Coming.”