IT: General Pervez Musharraf is giving himself many powers. He can even dismiss the prime minister. Can democracy survive in Pakistan?
Bhutto: To save democracy in such a situation is very difficult. When I saw the general giving himself so much power, I felt he wanted to be Mullah Omar because in recent history only he has total powers. Musharraf wants the same.

IT: With Musharraf having powers to dismiss the prime minister, isn't Pakistan going to have another lameduck government ?
Bhutto: He wants a dummy parliament that won't ask any questions. So much of money has gone from the pension and privatisation funds. But no investigations are going on.

IT: Why is Musharraf saying that you will be arrested the moment you land in Pakistan?
Bhutto: General Musharraf is scared of me and wants to restrain my freedom. But I have party workers who I trust and I know even if I am in jail and my name is there on the nomination papers, they will make me successful.

IT: Will you be able to fight the elections if you are in jail?
Bhutto: To fight elections is irrelevant if I am in jail or not. If my name is there on the nominations papers, I will fight for sure and my party will help me.

IT: What do you have to say about Musharraf's tenure as Pakistan's president?
Bhutto: He supported the Taliban. He failed to stop the Al Qaida. Then the twin towers were attacked following which was the war in Afganisthan. It brought war to the subcontinent. A war-like situation was created between India and Pakistan thrice. Even today both armys are facing each other at the border. If he stays in power, the fear of war with India will stay.
Moreover, he has said that Osama bin Laden may be in Pakistan. He said 'I am not saying he is there but he may be there'. During Musharraf's rule, the Al Qaida has regrouped.
I am surprised the chief of staff's son is a Lashker e Toiba member. He recently nominated a deputy attorney general whose son was killed while fighting alongside the Al Qaida. I am astonished that all people around him in Pakistan are Al Qaida members while outside George Bush---may be he knows better---says Musharraf is a friend. What I see in Pakistan makes me fear for my people because of increasing militancy.

IT: Do you think Musharraf will let India hold elections in Kashmir without trying to sabotage it?
Bhutto: I don't know what talks took place in but the situation in Kashmir should be solved between the two countries

IT: Is it possible for Musharraf to stop cross-border terrorism in Kashmir ?
Bhutto: I understand everything depends on talks between India and Pakistan. India has a border dispute with China as well but never has any war tensions with China. It has good trade relations. Both nuclear countries should act responsiby. If we apply a porous border formula, it would be much better for both nations.

IT: What is the way out of current India-Pakistan imbroglio?
Bhutto: Everything depends on talks between Islamabad and Delhi. But we have to see post-September 11 or how Kashmir can be solved. I feel the world is not ready to distinguish between freedom fighters and militants.

IT: What do you have to say about the corruption charges against you?
Bhutto: They are baseless and have been framed by the Government to defame me. They even said that I was non-graduate. Thank God the certificate is from outside the country and they were proved wrong. But what can I do when proof is needed from within the
state regarding my innocence. Where can I go? They can throw false allegations at me but not crush my will power.

IT: What is your gameplan now?
Bhutto: Nomination papers are being scrutinised. Whatever Musharraf might try, I will succeed.

IT: Do you have faith in Pakistan's judiciary?
Bhutto: I know judges want to be fair and if they are given freedom, they would decide what is good for people.

IT: Do you have plans to forge alliances with other parties for the October poll?
Bhutto: We are willing to go for alliances. Talks are on.