The world seems concerned with Pakistan primarily as an actor in global attempts to combat terrorism.

When people talk about the death of the novel, they are speaking of the need for the birth of something different.

You're a watchful guy. you know where that comes from?" I shook my head. "It comes from feeling out of place," he said. "Believe me. I know.

I don't want to be a Michael Moore-style artist, which is not to disparage Michael Moore. But he seems rather unsuccessful at winning people over who don't already agree with him.

Sufi poetry is, in a sense, self-help poetry about how to live a decent life, how to deal with your mortality.

What else is belief but direction?

Living in a place like Pakistan, very often you meet people who are migrating abroad. And sometimes you'll ask their parents, you know - you didn't try to stop them? Like, why didn't you say, don't go - I'll miss you? Stay with me. And, you know, people say, well, it's best for them. They have to go. And parents, you know, take on that sadness because they know it's better for their children if they leave.