A prominent British member of the Parliament and Iran's Nobel Prize winner paid rich tributes to late former prime minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto describing her as a 'truly international personality' who gave hope to millions of Pakistanis.
Commenting on the eve of her first death anniversary, Labour Party MP from Greater Manchester Sir Gerald Kaufmann spoke of his personal friendship with Ms Bhutto and of his grief over her tragic death.
He told APP: "On this anniversary, our thoughts are with her, her family members and with the people of Pakistan. Her assassination was a terrible blow to Pakistan and its democracy." Sir Gerald who also served as the party's foreign affairs spokesman when it was in the opposition in 1980's said the best tribute to her lasting memory would a strong and democratic Pakistan.
Dr Shirin Ebadi, the winner of 2003 Nobel Peace Prize, lauded the contributions of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for establishment of democracy in her country and for the women's rights. Speaking to APP at the Foreign Press Association, she expressed her profound sadness over the death of the PPP Chairperson and said Ms Bhutto had fought valiantly for the process of democracy and championed the cause of women and deprived sections of the society in her country.
She said Pakistan was bound to benefit from her ascension to power and she had all the necessary qualities to lead the nation to prosperity and development. Dr Ebadi further said the late Pakistani leader was extremely popular in Iran and particularly among the Iranian women who were tremendously sad at her tragic death. She lauded the presentation of the UN Human Rights award to Ms Bhutto and said the honour was reflective of her international stature.