Photo Gallery Sharif's Violent and Brief Return
Members of former Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharif's party throw stones toward policemen during clashes near the Islamabad airport prior to the exiled ex-premier's arrival from London. Police are reported to have detained over 4,000 Sharif supporters before his arrival.
Pakistani police officers arrest supporters of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif following a clash after they tried to break through a blocked road to the airport. Five people were reported wounded in an exchange of gunfire at the roadblock.
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, center, is surrounded by aides and supporters on an ariplane as he arrives in Islamabad. In a tense standoff, Sharif remained on the plane for 90 minutes.
Sharif wipes his eyes before disembarking. Awaiting him at the airport were members of Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau, who would serve him with an arrest warrant alleging corruption.
When Sharif finally exited the plane, he waded into a sea of angry and disappointed supporters. He was then driven to an airport lounge where he told reporters how he viewed the situation in Pakistan: "It's democracy versus dictatorship."
Sharif was then arrested and deported to Saudi Arabia within hours of his return, vowing to end the rule of President Pervez Musharraf.
Pakistani supporters of Sharif chant slogans from a police van after being detained. The days to come promise more questions and more potential violence, arrests and unease.
