Lahore: The Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) has asked former Pakistan Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif to return to home country, despite the risk of being arrested, 'The Dawn' reported on August 10.

Separate letters have been sent to both the leaders in this regard, said ARD president Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan in Lahore on August 10.

He said the return of the two leaders would rekindle the public enthusiasm for restoration of democracy in the country. Their presence would boost the morale of the public, he added.

"Mere statements (from the two leaders while staying abroad) were insufficient to activate the masses or prepare them to face the challenges of the situation," said Khan.

While Sharif is living in political exile in Saudi Arabia, Bhutto has been staying in London for the past seven years.

The Nawabzada is scheduled to go to Saudi Arabia on Aug 27 to meet PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz) chief Nawaz Sharif. The matter of his returning to home country is also expected to come under discussion at the meeting. The ARD chief will also meet the PPP (Pakistan People's Party) chairperson Bhutto.

ANI