NEW YORK, Sept 25 Paying glowing tribute to former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's singular contribution to promotion of democracy and women's rights, the prestigious Louise T. Blouin Foundation posthumously conferred its top award on the acclaimed leader.

The award was received by Ms Bhutto's aunt Behjet Hariri in the presence of President Asif Ali Zardari as a gathering of prominent writers, artists, diplomats and business leaders expressed their appreciation for the leader with a prolonged ovation.

Nobel Laureate Eric Kandel who announced the Global Creative Leadership award, cited the Pakistani icon's courageous and inspiring leadership in the face of heavy odds, particularly in the dark days of Ziaul Haq's dictatorship, when she lived through rigours of solitary confinement.

“It is through our memory of Benazir Bhutto that she will live on forever as a symbol of an extraordinary leader, who combined great curiosity and intellect with determination and courage, perseverance and courage.”

“At the time of her first election at the age 35, she was one of the youngest political leaders in the world and the first woman to serve as prime minister of an Islamic country,” added Kandel, who knew Ms Bhutto.

She epitomised modernity in a male-dominated political establishment, he said.

Also receiving the award at the ceremony were Prime Minister of Finland Matti Vanhanen, a world leader dedicated to environmental causes, and famous designer Bruce Mau.

Accepting the award, Ms Hariri called Benazir Bhutto an endearing leader, who “meant so much to so many people in Pakistan and around the world”.

Introducing President Zardari, host Louise Blouin praised him as a skilled politician, who is striving for reconciliation in her country confronting a spate of challenges.

“Mr Zardari's political career spans two decades, working closely with Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. During this period he helped formulate policies that expanded the freedom of the media, revolutionised telecommunications and opened Pakistan to foreign direct investment.”

President Zardari recalled Ms Bhutto's qualities of head and heart as a human being and as a unique public figure who braved countless challenges in her fight for democracy and human rights.

“To the world she was an icon; to me she was a loving wife, the mother of my children and also my leader,” the president said.

“Her assassination has different meanings for different people.” —APP