Q: What impact will the Supreme Court judgment that set aside yours and Asif's conviction have on your future political plans ?

A: The Supreme Court judgment has upset the military regime's time schedule to rid me from the political arena before the general elections. The judgment spoke of a biased trial and the focus on a fresh trial will rest on a fair hearing. Given a fair hearing, or even an unfair one given the appeal procedure, the regime will be unable to oust me before the promised elections in 2002. The judgment puts me centerstage for the next parliamentary elections even if the regime chooses to arrest me. Imprisoned candidates can contest elections and I become a more potent election campaign issue. In other words, the judgment upset the political apple cart of the military regime.

Q: You appear very optimistic of returning as prime minister for the third time. What makes you so confident ?

A: I am confident of returning as prime minister because the people support me. This support was demonstrated in the labour elections, the Northern Area elections and the local bodies elections. True there are detractors and we could have done better. Yet, compared to those who came later, we performed better economically, politically and socially. Since the dismissal of the PPP government, the country has slid into anarchy,chaos, bankruptcy and martial law. Per capita income is down by two per cent. The highest employment rate has dived to the lowest. Revenue, growth and investment rates are down. The country needs a popular government to give confidence to markets with a view to create wealth, jobs and give people a sense of optimism and pride in the country. One qualification: my running for prime minister depends on the constitutional structure we end up with. Pakistan desperately needs stability based on popular consensus. The fears of the generals and the politicians need addressing. PPP opposes handcuffing parliament to the corp commanders, although we accept a need to prevent the rise of non-liberal regimes to safeguard democracy. If the constitution is right, I'll contest. Otherwise, I'll opt out of a flawed system and prevent myself being set up for failure.

Q: When do you plan to come back to Pakistan? Some reports suggest that the party has asked you to wait until the completion of the local bodies polls?

A: My return is scheduled after the local elections and before the general elections. The party and I want to take each step in a manner benefiting the party's electoral prospects. For us, the PPP is the organisational vehicle for the federating units and the people to achieve autonomy, equality and prosperity.

Q: The military government has said nine other corruption cases are ready to be filed and that you will be arrested upon your return. Will that affect your return?

A: The Supreme Court convicts the judge that tried me and yet the regime proceeds against me. This is proof of vendetta. The military magicians pull out nine cases at will with a view to deter my return. But I will return irrespective. Now the clock is ticking against the military regime. The plans to revive the economy, give good governance and conduct even-handed accountability are collapsing. The deadline of the 2002 polls is round the corner and the population is restive.

Q: The British government has recently handed over to the military government some 220000 documents detailing assets and bank accounts of yourself and Asif. Do you think the documents may damage your position in other cases?

A: Islamabad has given a sovereign commitment to Britain to use the material in a trumped-up narcotics charge. The documents contain disputed statements in that the British decision is an administrative rather than a judicial matter. The statements are without cross examination and legally worthless. I am unaware what material there is in the bank documents, even though everyone ought to have the right to be heard. However, one thing is clear: even if the prosecution story of bank accounts is accepted, every citizen is lawfully entitled to bank documents. The regime has already resiled from the corruption charge and the former Interior Minister and General Mushtaq have exposed the narcotics charge.

Q: There are some clear indications of General Musharraf becoming president. What is your position on that? Some reports suggest you are ready to accept him as the president conditionally? What are those conditions?

A: As for Musharraf and whether the PPP will accept him as president, that depends on whether he asks for our support. Naturally we would prefer our own president, but we are prepared to hear him and see the quid pro quo being offered before discussing the matter with our allies and taking a decision. As for what conditions we might settle for, that depends on the political situation and who has what strength at which time.

Q: Does this mean you are prepared to strike a deal with the military?

A: Talks yes, deal no. PPP is on record, publicly and privately, calling for a negotiated exit strategy for the generals since 1999.

Q: You have been prime minister twice. Why do you think you will get a third chance and if so, how will the third stint be different?

A: The reason I believe PPP will get a third chance is because we gave the country its best economic performance and social development. The country had the highest revenues, growth and investment as well as an anti-poverty programme. Bridges, roads, gas, electricity, water, education and health were provided and Pakistan's prestige was enhanced. Others who followed bankrupted the country and polarised it. Therefore, ordinary people wish to vote for us. Our third term will be different in seeking to build peace in the region and in building a more transparent and open society whilst dealing with social issues that the youth of today demand, such as anti-corruption and less focus on tension.

Q: There is no precedence in Pakistan of generals abdicating power voluntarily. Do you think a peaceful transition of power to a democratically elected civilian government is possible next year in accordance with the Supreme Court ruling?

A: General Musharraf has given his word to the Pakistani people, the international community and the Supreme Court that he will hold elections by then. Pakistan is losing out on financial support due to dictatorship. The pressure to hold elections is there although we will all breathe a sigh of relief when they are actually held.

Q: What do you think of the present situation in Sindh where a new alliance is emerging between the MQM and Jiye Sindh on the water crisis ?

A: The water crisis is a genuine one which threatens the unity and integrity of the country. The desilting programme wasted water in water channel tail-enders the previous year aggravating the water shortage in this year. The country needs more small dams. It also needs more autonomy and transparent intra-provincial dealings

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