ISLAMABAD, Nov 11: Pakistan on Thursday declared three-day mourning on the demise of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and pledged its continued support for the Palestinian cause.

"I assure Your Excellency that Pakistan will continue to extend its unequivocal and unreserved support to the Palestinian cause," was the firm assurance held out by President Gen Pervez Musharraf in his condolence message to Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmad Qorei earlier in the day.

Expressing grief over the death of the Palestinian leader, he said President Arafat was the symbol of the Palestinian struggle.

"With the demise of this great leader, an era has come to an end. His legacy, however, will continue to inspire future generations," the president said.

His message to Mr Qorei read: "It is with a deep sense of grief that we have received the news of the demise of our dear brother Yasser Arafat and the great revolutionary leader of the Palestinian people. May Allah rest his soul in eternal peace (Amen).

"The people of Pakistan, and indeed the entire Muslim world, is in deep shock at the passing away of Mr Arafat, who tirelessly struggled throughout his life for the attainment of the rights of the Palestinian nation and for securing an independent state for them.

"On behalf of the people of Pakistan, and I, please accept our deepest sorrow and heartfelt condolences on this irreparable loss. We stand by our Palestinian brethren in this moment of grief - grief that has touched everyone in the Muslim world."

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, who left for Cairo on Thursday night to represent Pakistan at Arafat's funeral, paid glowing tribute to the Palestinian leader in a separate condolence message to Mr Qorei.

"President Arafat's towering personality will be missed in all international forums. But his spirit of sacrifice will always remain with us. President Arafat will always be remembered as the eternal flame of the Palestinian struggle," Mr Aziz said.

President Arafat struggled throughout his life for the rights of oppressed Palestinian people. Under his charismatic leadership, the Palestinian people were united in their struggle for achieving an independent Palestinian state, he added.

The prime minister also assured his Palestinian counterpart of Pakistan's support, saying: "Pakistan will continue to extend its unflinching support to its Palestinian brothers in their just struggle of attaining their inalienable rights."

He said: "President Arafat was recognized for his untiring efforts at trying to find a peaceful solution to the tragedy of the Palestinian people, especially when he received the Nobel peace prize.

"I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration," said Mr Aziz.

Pakistan has been an unambiguous supporter of the Palestinian cause and has maintained its consistent support for the full implementation of all the UN Security Council resolutions which demand withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories.

Yasser Arafat's last visit to Pakistan was in August 2001. His parting words at the Islamabad airport were: "We have very friendly relations with Pakistan and we can't forget the strong Pakistani support for our cause."

The government also decided that the national flag will fly at half mast from Nov 11 to 13, APP adds.

BENAZIR: Former prime minister Benazir Bhutto expressed profound grief and sorrow over the death of the Palestinian leader and termed it a great loss to the people of Pakistan, adds Ahmed Hasan Alvi.