Education had been a great gift for him [Ziauddin]. He believed that lack of education was the root of all the Pakistan's problems. Ignorance allowed politicians to fool people and bad administrators to be reelected. He believed schooling should be available for all, rich and poor, boys and girls.

I think that the best way to solve problems and to fight against war is through dialogue. For me the best way to fight against terrorism and extremism... just a simple thing: educate the next generation.

We like to put sacred texts in flowing waters, so I rolled it up, tied it to a piece of wood, placed a dandelion on top, and floated it in the stream which flows into the Swat River. Surely God would find it there.

When someone takes away your pens you realise quite how important education is.

This is what my soul is telling me: be peaceful and love everyone.

My father always says that heroism is in the Pashtun DNA.

My mother always told me,”hide your face- people are looking at you”. I would reply,”It does not matter; I am also looking at them.