Right now, they feel they have lost their voice, and their miseries have increased since my departure.

The best revenge is democracy.

I dream ...of a world where we can commit our social resources to the development of human life and not to its destruction

I believe that democracies do not go to war; that's the lesson of history, and I think that a democratic Pakistan is the world community's best guarantee of stability in Asia.

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 have led an unusual life. I have buried a father killed at age 50 and two brothers killed in the prime of their lives. I raised my children as a single mother when my husband was arrested and held for eight years without a conviction - a hostage to my political career.

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.