Like all children I had taken my father for granted. Now that I had lost him, I felt an emptiness that could never be filled. But I did not let myself cry, believing as a Muslim that tears pull a spirit earthward and won't let it be free.

Given the right to a free ballot, the people would support my return.

The best revenge is democracy.

It's quite difficult for me not to be able to return to my country, but in my country justice has been murdered.

Extremism can flourish only in an environment where basic governmental social responsibility for the welfare of the people is neglected. Political dictatorship and social hopelessness create the desperation that fuels religious extremism.

In a way, a jail is a place where you can rest, read books and live with yourself.

The next few months are critical to Pakistan's future direction as a democratic state committed to promoting peace, fighting terrorism and working for social justice.