Bhutto supporters in the UAE say they will miss her

Dubai: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) supporters in the UAE yesterday said they would miss their leader Benazir Bhutto, who is scheduled to return home tomorrow ending her eight years in exile.

Gulf News spoke to a number of Pakistanis, who have been serving and supporting PPP Chairperson Bhutto during her stay in Dubai.

Rashid Chughtai, an active PPP supporter in Dubai, said that Bhutto should go back because workers' morale is very high and they are waiting for her.

About her time spent with Bhutto in Dubai, he said that she is very humane person and feels for the poor in the country.

Muneer Hans, a prominent supporter of Bhutto in Dubai, said that people in the UAE would miss her but it is more important for them that she should go back to restore democracy in the country. "Dubai is her second home and we are here to serve her."

Respected leader

Sardar Javed Yaqoob, an active member of the PPP, said Bhutto's return would help alleviate poverty from the country. "She is the only political leader who is widely respected around the world. As a worker, we responded immediately whenever she gave us any assignments. She won workers' heart because she is very caring," he added.

Kaiser Zaman Ghumman, who coordinates to feed PPP's Urdu website from UAE, said he has been PPP supporter since his birth because his father was also PPP activist. "Our loyalties are for the Bhutto family and my job here also involved educating people about PPP's manifesto for the people of Pakistan."

Akram Farooqi, a PPP supporter from Al Ain, said Bhutto must go back because masses have been mobilised and her supporters have already started reaching Karachi. "She is daughter of a brave leader and is not afraid of anyone. Apart from a great leader, she is an excellent mother, wife and sister," he said.

Saleem Kashmiri, who has been involved in making arrangements for Bhutto's travel plans from Dubai in addition to other activities, said Bhutto is very kind-hearted, and hospitable. "Despite her hectic political schedules, she never neglect her ailing mother Nusrat Bhutto and always kept her close to her," he said.

Wasif Iqbal, a young PPP supporter, said he had seen Bhutto only on TV before coming to Dubai. "After meeting her in Dubai, I am convinced that she is the only leader who can help Pakistan come out of the current political, economic and security crises," he said.