16 February 2005	Wednesday	06 Muharram 1426

ISLAMABAD, Feb 15: Chairperson of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Benazir Bhutto has condoled the death of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri and paid glowing tributes to him.

Rafik Hariri was killed in a bomb blast in Beirut on Monday, which also claimed 10 other lives. Paying glowing tributes to Rafik Hariri, the PPP chairperson said the former Lebanese prime minister was an energetic politician who would be remembered for leading the drive for reconstruction of war-ravaged Lebanon.

When the call of conscience so dictated, Rafik Hariri even resigned the office of prime minister without qualms, she said in her message. The raising of funds in the international capital market for the reconstruction of post-war Lebanon and the rebuilding of his war-torn country would always stand a monument to the memory of Rafik Hariri.

The former prime minister recalled her meetings with Rafik Hariri and said she was truly impressed with his philanthropist and humanitarian activities, particularly in spreading education.

One of the last philanthropist acts of late Hariri was when his construction firm pledged to contribute millions of dollars in aid to the victims of tsunami which swept Asian shores recently, she said.

It is indeed tragic that such a man should be cut down so brutally. The former prime minister also prayed for the soul of Rafik Hariri and offered condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Lebanon.