London Metropolitan University was saddened to learn of the death of former Pakistan Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

The University has, for over five years, operated a joint scholarship programme for outstanding Pakistani women, in conjunction with Ms Bhutto. She had been an enthusiastic supporter of the University and of its commitment to encouraging Pakistani women to achieve their best.

Ayesha Noor, the first winner of the London Met Benazir Bhutto scholarship, wrote the following on hearing of the recent news;

"Ask any American living in the 1960s and they will tell you that they remember exactly where they were when they heard of President Kennedy's assassination. The same is now true for us Pakistanis, who will always remember the moment we heard about Benazir Bhutto's death.

"I grew up looking up to Ms Bhutto as a role model for women in Pakistan. I fell in love with her as she was elected Pakistan's first female Prime Minster.

"As I completed my MA in Economics from Peshawar University in 2001, I came across the opportunity of a lifetime; the London Met Benazir Bhutto Scholarship. It offered me a chance to study in the UK.

"I was the first to win this prestigious scholarship; winning a full scholarship to study International Economics at London Metropolitan University. Now, I am completing my PhD in South Asian Economics at the University of Wales. This is all thanks to Allah and the opportunity provided by one noble Benazir Bhutto.

"I thank Benazir Bhutto for allowing this Pakistani born and bred girl to have a chance at a better life."

2 January 2008