The day I won an Emmy was also the day my father passed away. I received a call from my sister on the way to the ceremony and had to turn my car around and catch the first flight back to Karachi.

The news that comes out of Pakistan is always geared toward terrorism and fundamentalism. But when you give people freedom of expression and the freedom to go out and be social and to express themselves, you will see a change. I see that coming about in my country.

The young boys I speak with say to me: Why would I want to live in this world - where they rely on charity, dry pieces of bread and water, where they are subjected to harsh treatment, when they can be free and be the envy of their colleagues in the afterlife. They are only too eager to sign on the dotted line and join the ranks of the Taliban.

There are a number of parallels between the slums of Brazil and those found in my hometown, Karachi. The dichotomy that exists in Brazil is uncannily similar to that found in Pakistan, and I hope to one day make a film that follows similar themes.

Thousands of civilians have lost their lives to terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, and thousands more will - because, unlike the Pakistani government, which has no coherent policy to deal with the radicals, the Taliban have one to deal with Pakistan and its citizens.

Don't give up your dreams.

I feel that for the first time in a long time, educated Pakistanis are returning to their country to start up educational projects, to start up businesses, so instead of the brain-drain that happened in the 1950s and 1960s, the country is growing and improving economically.

An Academy Award nomination is stuff dreams are made of.

Education liberates a woman.

I believe in telling the truth.

I don't think I'll be making documentaries my whole life.

I hope I can make Pakistan proud by bringing home an Oscar.

I'm generally quite an angry person, and I like to channel my anger toward something creative.

It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from - if you put quality work out there, it will be appreciated.

It takes one second to ruin a woman's life.

My family restores my sense of ease and keeps me balanced.

My films are motivated by a keen interest in highlighting issues that affect marginalized populations who are caught in difficult circumstances.

My topics are timely. When an event is happening is when I want to be there... I think it is our duty to challenge the status quo.

Pakistan destroyed its own reputation. If anything, I have improved Pakistan's image.

The Pakistani government and its allies must overhaul their policies in Pakistan.