Islamabad: Singapore has commemorated former Prime Minister Shaheed Benazir Bhutto by featuring her in a unique book that celebrates the tradition of naming new orchid hybrids after distinguished foreign dignitaries. The book, which includes an orchid named after Bhutto, underscores Singapore’s practice of fostering international goodwill through its national flower.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the book was authored by Koh Buck Song and launched by Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. It details the process of hybridizing orchids and includes the ‘Dendrobium Benazir Bhutto’, named in honor of the late Pakistani leader during her official visit to Singapore from March 7-9, 1995. During the launch, Minister Balakrishnan highlighted that the practice of naming orchids after global leaders began in 1956 and has since honored over 280 individuals and organizations, serving as a unique diplomatic gesture of friendship.