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

Given the right to a free ballot, the people would support my return.

A political war can be fought from anywhere.

The military wants a system that protects its policies and privileges.

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

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

So he manipulates and dangles some kind of carrot in front of the world all the time. This is not good for the people [of Pakistan], and I think the world has got it all wrong.

The forces of moderation and democracy must, and will, prevail against extremism and dictatorship. I will not be intimidated… Despite threats of death, I will not acquiesce to tyranny, but rather lead the fight against it.

What is not recorded is not remembered.

It’s never easy dealing with terrorists, but it must be done through a mixture of political, economic and administrative means.

Democracy needs support and the best support for democracy comes from other democracies. Democratic nations should come together in an association designed to help each other and promote what is a universal value – democracy.

In a way, a jail is a place where you can rest, read books and live with yourself.

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

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

The Internet is the great equalizer.The technology which emanated from the Silicon Valley of California has more potential to ameliorate social inequality than any development in the history of the world, including the industrial revolution.

The Holy Book calls upon Muslims to resist tyranny. Dictatorships in Pakistan, however long, have, therefore, always collapsed in the face of this spirit.

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.

Even people who aren’t geniuses can outthink the rest of mankind if they develop certain thinking habits.

150 people die every year from being hit by falling coconuts. Not to worry, drug makers are developing a vaccine.

One who thinks and reflects develops his foresight and vision.

The only surprise about the economic crisis of 2008 was that it came as a surprise to so many.

Workers’ rights should be a central focus of development.

In developing countries, lack of infrastructure is a far more serious barrier to trade than tariffs.

It takes years to develop into the kind of human being you want to be.

We have actively worked to share our experience of development with other nations, especially in Asia.