Dubai’s Madame Tussauds honored the legacy of Benazir Bhutto, the former chairperson of the Pakistan People’s Party and the country’s first female prime minister, by unveiling her lifelike wax figure on a significant occasion.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who was on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, graced the event with his presence.
The wax figure commemorates Benazir Bhutto’s remarkable journey as the first woman to be elected prime minister of Pakistan twice, making her a trailblazer in the Muslim world. Her life was tragically cut short when she was assassinated in 2007 during a political rally, just weeks before the scheduled general election, where she was a prominent opposition candidate.
FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari attends the unveiling of the wax statue of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, First Female PM of Pakistan at Madame Tussauds in Dubai.
Bilawal Bhutto at the occasion expresses his views about the statue and says BB shaheed when became the PM of Pakistan was… pic.twitter.com/zkTNkXKBEm
— Shiffa Z. Yousafzai (@Shiffa_ZY) July 30, 2023
During the unveiling ceremony, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed gratitude to Madame Tussauds for honoring his late mother’s memory in such a profound way. He shared a personal connection with Dubai, as his family had spent a significant period in the city during their exile years.
The foreign minister acknowledged that the wax figure serves as a poignant reminder of Benazir Bhutto’s enduring impact as a symbol of democracy, freedom, and women’s rights, not only within Pakistan but also as an inspiration worldwide. Her passionate advocacy for peace and cooperation on the international stage continues to resonate with generations.
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High-ranking officials from the Pakistani embassy and consulate in the UAE, along with prominent community members, attended the event, expressing their respect for the former prime minister’s achievements.
With immense pride and humility, I attended the unveiling of the statue of the first Pakistani personality to be commemorated at Madame Tussauds today in Dubai – the inimitable, the indomitable, the irreplaceable, my mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
I am sure that this… pic.twitter.com/xRshlEu5aB— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) July 31, 2023
The meticulously crafted wax figure accurately depicts Benazir Bhutto, dressed in the outfit she wore during her swearing-in ceremony as prime minister. The creation process involved traditional techniques based on a sitting from 1989. The figure will be showcased alongside other global leaders and dignitaries in the esteemed Madame Tussauds Dubai museum.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed his hope that the wax figure will serve as an enduring source of inspiration, celebrating the values that defined Benazir Bhutto’s life, including democracy, justice, human rights, rule of law, compassion, and freedom.
This historic moment marks the first time a Pakistani figure has been displayed at Madame Tussauds Dubai, underscoring the significance of Benazir Bhutto’s contributions and her trailblazing spirit, which continues to inspire generations, particularly women, across the world.