Former Pak PM Nawaz Sharif returns

Pakistan's kickstarted his party's campaign for next year's election on Saturday after arriving home from four years of self-imposed exile in London, promising to tackle record inflation.

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"I want to serve this nation," said the 73-year-old veteran politician in his address to thousands of his supporters at his eastern hometown of Lahore.

Thousands of fervent supporters thronged a park in the eastern megacity of Lahore, whipping green and yellow flags stitched with the emblem of a big cat, and roaring as the 73-year-old took the stage.

"Who has come?" his daughter Maryam Nawaz asked the crowds over a blaring sound system.

"The Lion has come!" they chanted back in unison, under bursts of pink fireworks.