ISLAMABAD, Nov 12: A two-member delegation of Pakistan People's Party, comprising Makhdoom Amin Fahim and Raja Pervez Ashraf called on the Palestinian ambassador in Islamabad to condole the death of Yasser Arafat and express their solidarity with the Palestinian people in this difficult time.

They also delivered two letters of the PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto, one for the ambassador and another for the acting president of Palestine. Makhdoom Amin Fahim and Raja Pervez Ashraf also signed the condolence book at the embassy and paid rich tributes to the great leader of Palestinian people, who fought for the rights of his people all through his life.

Acting Senate Chairman Khalilur Rehman and Minister for Interior Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao on Friday visited the Palestine embassy to condole the death of President Yasser Arafat. The acting Senate chairman, while talking to the Palestinian envoy, paid glowing tributes to Yasser Arafat's leadership and his struggle for the Palestinian state.

Recording his impressions in the condolence book, Mr Rehman said if history of freedom fighters was to be written, the name of Yasser Arafat would go in the annals of freedom fighters and the struggle for the Palestinian state and its people.

He hoped that the struggle for the Palestinian state would continue and new leadership would seek inspiration from Mr Arafat's thoughts. He prayed that may Allah Almighty bless his soul internal peace.

While recording his views, Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao said Yasser Arafat was a symbol of the Palestinian cause, and he led his nation through a long difficult time in a heroic way. Although the veteran leader has left this mortal world, he will stay in our hearts and minds for a long time, he added.

"Pakistan and its people have always stood beside Yasser Arafat for the elevated cause of Palestine and I assure Pakistan will keep on playing its role in future as well. The minister said Mr Arafat spent all his life for the cause and he was an asset not only to Palestinians but the whole Muslim world.