Two Months in Pakistan

Who kidnapped him?

We assume a secret agency. So he missed [the] filing [deadline]. He appeared again and said 'Let me file -- they kidnapped me to stop me filing.' They did not allow him to file. We want this rectified.

Is [former prime minister] Nawaz Sharif playing a role?

Yes, he's playing a very positive role by participating. When he came here, his alliance wanted him to boycott. I said to him the point is to try to work together, but if we boycott, there is no need for them to rig the elections because they'll win an overwhelming majority, and they'll get to do whatever they want in the parliament. But if we fight, we'll force them to rig, and if both of us fight, they'll have to rig really big. . . . Unfortunately, he's not been allowed to [run for office], and his brother's not been allowed to participate, but if there's a political process he'll benefit.

When last I spoke to you, in New York a few months ago, you were skeptical of whether Musharraf would go through with the deal he had made with you.

I was more than right. Because all of a sudden he suspended the constitution. We thought we had a road map to democracy, and we found ourselves on a train journey to dictatorship. Thank God the lawyers, the media, the civil society, political parties, everyone in Pakistan went up in arms. . . . There was international support and internal pressure.

I think [U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John] Negroponte's visit to Pakistan was an important one. Musharraf gave a date for elections before he came. After he left, Musharraf gave a date to retire as the army chief, which to me was like a miracle.

Will he restore the judiciary?

I doubt it.

How can the government claim to hold a democratic election if the chief justice is suspended?

It doesn't look good.

Do you think that a civilian democratic government like one you would lead would be able to get control of the military and also of the area now dominated by terrorists?