Pervez Musharraf: Celebrations in Pakistan as former president ends four years of self-imposed exile Ex-President Pervez Musharraf has spent 4 years in Britain and Dubai He ruled Pakistan from 2001 to 2008 after seizing power in 1999 coup Detested by militants after he sided with the U.S. in response to 9/11 Former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf ended more than four years in self-imposed exile today - and immediately faced death threats from the Taliban. Security forces him whisked away in a convoy shortly after he touched down in Karachi and did not allow him to greet hundreds of supporters waiting at the airport, ready to shower him with rose petals. He has spent the last four years in Britain and Dubai. Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan between 2001 and 2008 after seizing power in a 1999 coup, tweeted that he was "thrilled to be back home." Hands raised: Former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf is greeted by supporters after landing at Jinnah International airport in Karachi Video: Adnan Rashid (centre), who fled a prison from a death row for his conviction in assassination attempt on Musharraf, surrounded by a militant squad tasked to assassinate the former president Scary: The Pakistan Taliban released a video threatening to unleash suicide bombers and snipers against Musharraf if he comes back Speech: Ehsanullah Mehsud, the spokesman of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, surrounded by militants in the video He posted a picture of himself meeting with party workers after he landed. The 69-year-old is detested by militants because of his decision to side with the U.S. in the response to the 9/11 attacks. Since the former general was forced from power, Pakistan's civilian leadership has struggled with a sinking economy, resilient Islamic extremist factions and tensions with Washington over drone strikes and the secret raid that killed Osama bin Laden. Musharraf's supporters, including elements of the military and members of Pakistan's influential expatriate communities, consider him a strong leader whose voice - even just in parliament - could help stabilise the country. Jubilant: Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf (centre) gestures to his supporters upon his arrival at Karachi Airport in Pakistan today Joyous: Supporters of former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf dance upon his arrival at Karachi Airport Delight: Musharraf (top centre), surrounded by guards, supporters and members of the media, is pictured upon his arrival to Karachi Airport Unhappy: Supporters of the Awami Majlis Amal Pakistan party burn a banner with the picture of Musharraf during a demonstration against his return to the country today in Quetta Musharraf also faces legal charges, including some originating from the probe of the 2007 assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who also spent time in self-imposed exile in Dubai before returning. The flight from Dubai came after several failed promises to return in recent years. Musharraf said in early March that he would lead his party, the All Pakistan Muslim League, in May elections. The election comes as the country is struggling with rolling blackouts, rising inflation and widespread security problems. On Saturday, the Pakistan Taliban released a video threatening to unleash suicide bombers and snipers against Musharraf if he comes back. Celebration: Supporters of Musharraf chant while gathering near Karachi Airport (left) and the former president himself saluted journalists as he arrived for a press briefing in Dubai before leaving for Karachi (right) Tasty treat: Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf (centre) cuts a cake during a ceremony to celebrate Pakistan National Day ahead of his trip to Karachi, in Dubai One of the two people speaking in the video was Adnan Rashid, a former Pakistani air force officer convicted in an attack against Musharraf. The Taliban broke Rashid out of prison last year, along with nearly 400 other detainees. 'The mujahedeen of Islam have prepared a death squad to send Pervez Musharraf to hell,' said Rashid, who spoke in the video in front of a group of about 20 militants holding rifles. We warn you to surrender yourself to us. Otherwise we will hit you from where you will never reckon. VIDEO "We will send you to Hell." Watch the Taliban's video threat