“ Democracy needs support, and the best support for democracy comes from other democracies. ”

“ Pakistan is heir to an intellectual tradition of which the illustrious exponent was the poet and philosopher Mohammad Iqbal. He saw the future course for Islamic societies in a synthesis between adherence to the faith and adjustment to the modern age. ”

“ I am constitutionally competent to contest the elections. ”

“ As a woman leader, I thought I brought a different kind of leadership. I was interested in women's issues, in bringing down the population growth rate... as a woman, I entered politics with an additional dimension - that of a mother. ”

“ The government I led gave ordinary people peace, security, dignity, and opportunity to progress. ”

“ Democracy is necessary to peace and to undermining the forces of terrorism. ”

“ It's true that General Musharraf opposes my return, seeing me as a symbol of democracy in the country. He is comfortable with dictatorship. I hope better sense prevails. ”

“ The military destabilised my government on politically motivated charges. ”

“ My father was the Prime Minister of Pakistan. My grandfather had been in politics, too however, my own inclination was for a job other than politics. I wanted to be a diplomat, perhaps do some journalism - certainly not politics. ”

“ 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. ”