Pakistani authorities tightened security at Islamabad airport and have detained more than 2,000 supporters of exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his party said on Sunday, the eve of his planned return. Sharif's spokesman, Ahsan Iqbal, said authorities had detained more than 2,000 activists from Sharif's party in Punjab province, Sharif's political power base.
"The way the government has acted has proven our point that there is no democracy under Musharraf, there is dictatorship in the country," Iqbal said. "Politically, they are very scared of a big show of popularity upon his arrival".
A provincial police official said 250 "trouble makers" had been picked up. Sharif is expected to arrive in Islamabad at around noon (0700 GMT). A security high alert has been declared at the airport, which will be largely sealed off. "Security is at high alert and tomorrow visitors won't be allowed in, only people with confirmed tickets," a security official said.
Before his departure for home, Sharif told Reuters Television in London, "My security is in the hands of God and of course the people of Pakistan."
Asked about the detention of his supporters, Sharif said: "Thousands of people have been arrested but by the grace of God our supporters are in the millions. That is not going to deter us."