Former Pakistan Premier Benazir was given a rousing welcome by hundreds of cheering supporters on Saturday when she flew from Karachi to Sukkur, a town near her ancestral home. This is her first visit outside the port city since a deadly attack on her homecoming procession claimed 165 lives.

Bhutto, who returned to Pakistan nine days ago after eight years of self-imposed exile, flew in a commercial flight to Sukkur, near her hometown of Larkana, with a large contingent of journalists and top leaders of her Pakistan People's Party.

"I will do what I can to save Pakistan by saving democracy," she told reporters before the aircraft landed at Sukkur airport.

Clad in a maroon salwar-kameez with her head covered with her trademark white scarf and an amulet tied to her left arm, Bhutto kissed a copy of the Quran given to her by the PPP leaders as she stepped out of the plane.

She was greeted by jubilant supporters and rose petals were showered on her when she emerged in a white SUV. Many shouted "Long live Bhutto" while others chanted "Prime Minister Benazir".

Hundreds of police and paramilitary forces toting automatic weapons were deployed at the airport.

Despite the elaborate security arrangements which the PPP had made for her visit, scores of people surrounded Bhutto's vehicle, causing concern for her private security guards and party volunteers.

Unlike her rally in Karachi on October 18, her convoy did not slow down today and sped out of the airport. Bhutto emerged through the vehicle's sun roof and waved to the people, many of them carrying the PPP's distinctive red, black and green flag.

"I am glad to be here," Bhutto said.

From Sukkur airport, Bhutto will travel to Garhi Khuda Bux village, 28 kms from Larkana town, to pray at the tomb of her father and PPP founder former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

PPP workers, many of them heavily armed and carrying AK-47 rifles, have thrown a protective ring around the tomb that was built by Bhutto.

Most roads in Larkana were lined by PPP flags and banners featuring pictures of Bhutto and her father, who is revered by the people of the area. Many people visit his tomb every day to pray at his grave.