Roaring return for exiled Pakistan ex-PM Nawaz Sharif

Fireworks and fluttering doves awaited former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif as he stepped off a helicopter and back onto home soil Saturday, ending four years of exile.

Thousands of fervent supporters thronged a park in the eastern megacity of Lahore, whipping green and yellow flags stitched with the emblem of a big cat, and roaring as the 73-year-old took the stage.

For cancer patient Sajida Gillani, in her 40s, Sharif's return offers relief for a nation suffering overlapping security, economic and political crises.

"I have to take painkillers all the time because of the cancer. But today I don't feel pain, I'm that happy that Nawaz Sharif is coming back," she said.

"I have not missed a rally, even during treatment," she added, brimming with zeal.

Sharif flew from Dubai to Pakistan aboard a chartered jet dubbed "the Hope of Pakistan" before being choppered to the park, then driven to the stage in a convoy with motorbike outriders.

"Who has come?" his daughter Maryam Nawaz asked the crowds over a blaring sound system.

"The Lion has come!" they chanted back in unison, under bursts of pink fireworks.

Green spotlights raked the night sky as he stood at a lecturn lavished with bouquets of flowers, held a dove in his outstretched hand, then smoothed his thinning hair.

The three-time premier -- known as "the Lion of Punjab" -- was maned with his signature red scarf and uttered the first words in what fans hope is a campaign to retake office in January's elections.

"I want to serve my country," he said, declaring his love for his supporters.

Pride of followers

Sharif, who hails from a steel magnate family, was last ousted from office in 2017 and given a lifetime ban from politics after a corruption conviction.

Whilst serving his prison sentence in 2018 he got permission to seek medical care in the UK and ignored court orders to return to his cell in Pakistan.

From a luxury London property Sharif is believed to have steered his family's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, as his brother Shehbaz served as prime minister overseeing legal changes smoothing his return.

Ultimately, analysts say the comeback has been brokered in a backroom deal with the powerful army establishment, which has cracked down on the Sharifs' greatest rival, Imran Khan, who is currently jailed.

"Pakistan is going through a very critical time, so at this moment there is a great lack of political leadership," said 39-year-old Naveed Saddiq.

"Nawaz Sharif is the only leader of Pakistan to do better. He did a lot of work in the country of Pakistan before."

Whilst PML-N have historically drawn on dynastic support, the charismatic former cricket star Khan marshalled huge popularity, particularly among the youth, with glitzy campaign events.

Amid a recent economic backslide -- overseen by both Khan and Shehbaz Sharif -- 19-year-old Muhammad Hassan says the "love" he has for Nawaz is due to his reputation as a savvy economist.

"He did a lot for students, like giving us many scholarships, and the laptop distribution scheme. So I expect him to help us again."