ISLAMABAD, Nov 9: Chairperson of Pakistan People’s Party Benazir Bhutto has condoled the death of renowned poet and intellectual Joan Elia, who died after a protracted illness in Karachi on Friday.

In her condolence message, the former prime minister paid rich tributes to Joan Elia and said he was a versatile and distinguished poet of his time whose loss would be felt by the family, friends, political and social workers and literary circle of the country for a long time to come.

Joan Elia with his words and deeds expressed his true feelings and remained committed to his ideals.

He was a democrat and displayed courage and resolve in the struggle for a civil society with the democratic forces of the country.

Benazir prayed to Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and give fortitude to the members of the bereaved family to bear this loss.