The face of challenge and inspiration

Those who attack a woman will burn in hell and no true Muslim can kill a woman," I recall the late Benazir Bhutto saying in Dubai a day before her historic return to Pakistan on October 18.

Bhutto, who lived in Dubai for eight years in self-exile, seemed to have a premonition of what awaited her if she went back to Pakistan, but she was determined nevertheless to return in a bid to restore democracy.

"You should all be vigilant while taking part in processions and public meetings in Pakistan. Keep an eye on suspicious people and grab anybody who tries to put his hand under his shirt," Bhutto advised her party supporters at the Eid Al Fitr reception at her house in Dubai's Emirates Hills.

"I have given my word to the people of Pakistan and I cannot stay away from them, never mind the threats," Bhutto told her supporters when they raised security concerns about her visit.

"I've gotten so many life threats ... from Afghan militants, Red Mosque militants and Arab militants. But I will not be intimidated because Allah will protect me," she told a press conference in Dubai just before leaving for Pakistan.

Unafraid to travel down the road that seemed full of challenges and life-threatening dangers, Bhutto was respected not only by her party supporters but everyone in the UAE and around the world.

Even her fiercest opponents admired her intellectual insight, political, academic and leadership qualities. Bhutto was always kind to people and never refused a photograph with anyone. She even attended iftar and birthday parties of children of ordinary party workers in Dubai.

I went to her house dozens of times and attended most of her gatherings in the UAE and even travelled with her on the same plane on her historic return to Pakistan, and found her a determined and committed leader - always passionate about Pakistan and its people.

She came out of exile the strongest and boldest female leader in the history not only of Pakistan but the world. She told me in Dubai that her fight was not for power but to alleviate poverty and make her father's slogan of 'Bread, clothing and shelter' for all a reality.

I personally believe that her assassination spells the death of democracy in Pakistan.