LAHORE, Dec 17: Ruling PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Husain returned home on Friday after several weeks of stay abroad with a happy tiding for the party leaders and workers that a bright and prosperous future was waiting for the country.

According to a press release, speaking to workers who received him at the airport, Mr Husain said that in the days ahead the democratic system would get strengthened and economic boom would be seen.

Those present to welcome Mr Husain included Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, central secretary-general Syed Mushahid Husain, provincial secretary general Chaudhry Zaheeruddin, information secretary Senator Kamil Ali Agha, Senator Nisar Memon, Iqbal Dar, provincial ministers and office-bearers of the women wing like Shahana Farooqi and Memoona Shaheen.

There was a marked improvement in the apparent health conditions of the PML president. Party workers raised slogans in favour of President Musharraf, Chaudhry Shujaat Husain, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and the party. Making an obvious reference to the situation created by opposition parties, Shujaat Husain said people were happy under the leadership of President Musharraf.

The ruling party chief directed his party leaders and workers to prepare themselves for the next year's local elections. "A spectacular victory in the local polls would clear the way for a grand triumph in the general election."

He insisted that contrary to claims being made by opposition parties the general elections would be held on schedule - in 2007. There was no possibility of premature polls, he clarified.

Mr Husain exhorted the PML leaders and workers to adhere to the principles of the Quaid-i-Azam. He said the Muslim League had founded the country and with it lay the responsibility to safeguard its integrity.