Pakistans future viability, stability and security lie in empowering its people and building political institutions. My goal is to prove that the fundamental battle for the hearts and minds of a generation can be accomplished only under democracy.

In distinguishing between Islamic teachings and social taboos, we must remember that Islam forbids injustice; Injustice against people, against nations, against women. It shuns race, color, and gender as a basis of distinction amongst fellowmen. It enshrines piety as the sole criteria for judging humankind.

Political dictatorship and social hopelessness create the desperation that fuels religious extremism.

Military hardliners called me a 'security threat' for promoting peace in South Asia and for supporting a broad-based government in Afghanistan.

I was brought up to believe that human beings are good, which is why it shocks me to the core when I see human beings behaving badly.

Through democracy we can address the basic needs of the people, involve them as participants in planning and restore the authority of the government.

I still want to return home whenever I get a chance.