ISLAMABAD, Jan 1: Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has condoled the death of Hanif Ramay, former chief minister Punjab. In a condolence message the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairperson said that she was profoundly grieved over the death of Mr Ramay, who was a “committed democrat, a genuine intellectual and a seasoned politician.”

She said Mr Ramay was one of the breed of politicians that was rarely found these days. His commitment to social justice was not merely adherence to the PPP manifesto but also deeply rooted in his religious convictions.

Ms Bhutto said he passed through the vicissitudes of politics but endured its rigours with a grace and formality that is not the forte of every politician.

Even as Mr Ramay soared high he kept his feet firmly planted on the ground — neither the rise dazzled him nor the fall disheartened him, she added.