Dubai: Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto said she cannot be intimidated despite all efforts from militant groups and the government to stop her from returning home today.
Audio: Click here to listen to Benazir Bhutto's statement from Dubai (mp3)
She said that many attempts have been made to try and intimidate her and her supporters to keep them away from receiving her today after she lands in Karachi. "I will be in Karachi today among my people for transition of democracy and to end dictatorship for good from my country," Bhutto said.
Audio: Click here to hear Benazir Bhutto talk about the threats which have been made to her (mp3)
"We have received life threats from Afghan, Arab and Red Mosque militants, but I cannot be intimidated because Allah will protect me.
"My supporters are reaching Karachi from all over the country defying all threats," Bhutto told a crowded press conference in Dubai.
Audio: Benazir Bhutto talks about the deal with President Musharraf (mp3)
She was in jubilant mood and was accompanied by her husband Asif Ali Zardari, and daughters Bakhtawar and Asifa.
"This is also fact that the government is saying that I should not return but I have to go back because I have given my words to my people and I always honour my words," she added.
Audio: Benazir Bhutto on how they will win hearts and minds (mp3)
"They also asked me do delay my return because of the constitutional petitions pending in the court."
However, Bhutto clarified that petitions in the court regarding General Musharraf's eligibility to contest election and the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) has nothing to do with her return.
"It is my independent decision and I made it much before the NRO," she said. She is expecting more than a million people to welcome her in the port city of Pakistan today.
