LAHORE, April 7: PML-N president and former Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif has issued a statement which says: "The apex court, by its decision to allow me to return home , has today upheld every Pakistani's right of citizenship; this decision will no doubt help in restoring faith in the independence of the highest institution of justice.

"I will be returning home after serving more than a three-year sentence of forced exile. But even before I board the aircraft that will carry me back to my beloved homeland, I want to assure the 150 million people of Pakistan that I am returning home with a mission to work with them and toil for them without a moment's rest or pause.

With Allah's blessings and the sincere assistance of the people of Pakistan, I shall set an example of a hitherto unmatched commitment to their welfare. It is to them that I have pledged the rest of my life and it is with them that I shall make every effort to move Pakistan in the direction envisioned by the founder of the nation, Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

"I have no time to settle scores and squabble over the past. We have a mission to accomplish and no more time to waste. "I am returning home to live and die for the people of Pakistan. So help me God."