ISLAMABAD, June 21 Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday announced names of the recipients of the first “Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Award” in fields of democracy, human rights, women's empowerment and social causes.

The awards were announced by the prime minister on behalf of President Asif Zardari, who is the chairman of a committee constituted to finalise names of the recipients of the award on the occasion of the 57th birth anniversary of Ms Benazir Bhutto, an official handout said.

The committee decided to give awards to Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi for her service to democracy, well-known peace activist I.A Rehman (human rights), founding President of UAE Women Association Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (philanthropy) and chairperson of Qatar Foundation of Education Science and Community Development Shaikha Mowza (women empowerment).

The award, however, will have no official locus standi as it has been instituted by the “leadership of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP)”, according to the handout. It is not clear as to who will be funding these awards and when will these be given to the nominees.