AT his public meeting on Jan 8 Pervez Musharraf announced that he would return to Karachi by the end of the month. It takes great courage to return to the country where people are already calling out for his blood.

He said that the relative comforts one got while living abroad were not given up unless the rewards on the other side were greater. Musharraf reiterated that he wanted to return to help his people and not for any personal gains.

He spoke out clearly against the charges being levelled against him like the Nawab Bugti case and Benazir assassination. It wasn't only the urban Karachiites who were present at the gathering. Participants came from Sukkur, Khairpur and other interior areas of the country, showing their support.

Contesting elections from Chitral shows that he has the confidence in the support of the northern regions.

His support for the province of Hazarais going to further increase his popularity there. Ethnicity is one of the core sensitive issues of our population right now, he noted.

The presence of Bengalis, perhaps the most discriminated minority, was specially noted and it was wonderful to see their presence at the rally.

The APML rally is sure to invite comparisons with the PTI meeting. It is, however, important to note that there was considerable support of the newly-formed party.

At this point it is not important to note how many people come out to support a particular party but to appreciate the fact that at least people are coming out for their democratic rights.

The APML rally was also a part of the democratic process. The party is headed by a man who could prove to be the best choice as he is tried and tested.

MASOOMA IMRAN Karachi