PPP leader Rashid Rabbani passes away in Karachi

PPP stalwart and Sindh Chief Minister’s special assistant, Rashid Rabbani, passed away on Thursday at a private hospital in Karachi, Geo News reported.

Rabbani had been hospitalised at a private facility in the city for many days and had been on a ventilator.

An old guard of the PPP, he was most recently serving as Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah's special assistant.

Soon after news of his death broke, condolences began to pour in.

'Unforgettable sacrifices for democracy': Asif Ali Zardari

PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari also extended his condolences over Rabbani's passing, saying that he was a huge asset to the party.

"His sacrifices for the party and for democracy are unforgettable," Zardari said.

The PPP c-chairman said Rabbani's death has saddened the entire party.

'One of Benazir's few close associates': Murad Ali Shah

Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah expressed deep sorrow over Rabbani's demise and extended his condolences to the entire family, saying that he was one of the few who could be counted among late Benazir Bhutto's closest associates.

"His services to democracy shall always be remembered," Shah said.

'Devastated': Sherry Rehman

Senior party leader Sherry Rehman said she was "devastated" to hear of Rabbani's passing and remembered him as a colleague, comrade, and friend.

"He was so much to so many of us in Karachi. Old guard PPP, always full of enthusiasm, always ready for activism. Can't imagine any activity in Karachi without him!" she wrote.

'End of a glorious chapter in Pakistan's politics': Murtaza Wahab

Murtaza Wahab, the Sindh government's spokesperson, also expressed sorrow over his demise and said that his death has ended a glorious chapter of politics in Pakistan.

He recalled him as always being very warm, affectionate and people-friendly and said his numerous services to democracy in Pakistan will always be remembered.