PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari will land at Karachi's old Jinnah terminal on Friday afternoon, PPP leader Nisar Khuhro said during a press conference Thursday.

The former president is returning to Pakistan after abruptly leaving the country in June last year following a hard-hitting speech in which he lashed out at the military establishment for overstepping its domain.

In his June 16, 2015 speech, the former president had said army chiefs 'come and go every three years' but that the political leadership was here to stay. “We know the country better and we know how to run its affairs," he had said.

Warning the establishment to refrain from character assassination of political parties in the same speech, Zardari had said, "If you do not stop, I will come out with a list of accused generals since Pakistan's creation."

Preparations underway

Sources at Bilawal House told Dawn.com that the PPP leader is expected to land around 2:30-3:30pm after Friday prayers.

Zardari will address a rally outside the old Jinnah terminal, Khuhro said. Arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth flow of traffic due to the rally, Khuhro added, claiming that about 1,000 volunteers have been recruited to direct traffic.

A statement from Karachi Traffic Police states that no roads will be closed for Zardari's arrival.

However, in anticipation of large numbers of PPP supporters showing up at the airport to welcome their leader, traffic will be diverted at some points to avoid inconveniencing commuters, traffic police said.

Reports claim that the former president will be airlifted to Bilawal House after his speech, but Bilawal House sources said he will decide whether he wants to go make his way to the family's home in Karachi by road or by helicopter.

Bilawal House Spokesman Aijaz Durrani said Asif Zardari will leave for Larkana in the coming days for the death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto on Dec 27.

Traffic diversion plan

Sindh Police has issued the following directives to facilitate traffic in anticipation of Zardari's arrival in Karachi on Friday.

• Passengers arriving to Karachi will be allowed to leave the airport after the VVIP/VIPs and dignitaries have completed their address and departed.

• Outbound travellers wanting to catch a flight can use the Korangi Road, Korangi Ind. Area Road, Murtaza Chowrangi, Link Road, Baba Wilayat Mazar, Malir City PS, National Highway, Malir Halt, Model Colony Road, and the Jinnah Avenue to reach the airport.

• University Road, Safoora Malir Cant and Check Post No.6 will also be open for traffic.

• Heavy Traffic will not be allowed from National Highway, Mai Kolachi to Korangi Industrial Area, Korangi Industrial Area to Port.

• Only the Northern Bypass will be open for heavy traffic.