Benazir look-alike stuns Commonwealth

Kuala Lumpur: Pakistan’s first woman Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza caught the attention of one and all at the ongoing 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Kuala Lumpur because of her close resemblance to her mentor and former Pakistan premier Benazir Bhutto.

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With her Bhutto-like looks, Fehmida had to repeatedly explain to people that she was not related to the former Pakistani prime minister. “Yes, a lot of people have told me that I look like Benazir. I think it is a compliment. People in my constituency seem to think so. I take it as a compliment and sometimes I take advantage of it,” nstonline quoted Fehmida as saying with a laugh.

Recalling that Benazir had introduced her to politics in 1997, Fehmida said: “Benazir Bhutto is an inspiration to all of us. I feel that what I am today is because of her struggles.”

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Trained as a doctor, 51-year-old Fehmida has been a member of the national assembly for three consecutive terms from 1997. Presently, she is a member of the ruling PPP that emerged as the single largest party in Feb 18 general elections. She made history in March when she became her country’s first woman Speaker.

The said being the first woman speaker in her country was an honour which carried with it heavy responsibilities. “It''s a big challenge,” she said.

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Asked if the men in Parliament took her seriously, she responded: “Up till now, they have done so. I''m a familiar face in Parliament. Previously, the men have been known to use unparliamentary language but whenever they do, I remind them to use the proper language.”

Currently, 75 out of the 342 representatives in the National Assembly of Pakistan are women.