The Nando Times: Ousted Pakistan official wants to run for parliament ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (August 22, 2002 1:46 p.m. EDT) - Defying Pakistan's military rulers, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto filed Thursday as a candidate for parliament in the October elections despite the government's insistence that she is not qualified to run.

Bhutto, in a telephone interview with The Associated Press in London, said she was determined to return to Pakistan and run for parliament in the Oct. 12 election despite government threats to arrest her if she does.

"Life and death are in the hands of God," Bhutto said. "I am determined to go back to serve my countrymen."

Bhutto said she would come home "much before the elections" but did not way when. "I will contest elections," she insisted. "I will go back to my country."

Bhutto's application for certification as a candidate was submitted to election authorities by her Pakistan People's Party, since she lives in self-exile in London and the United Arab Emirates.