Veteran Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader and Special Assistant to CM Sindh on Political Affairs Rashid Rabbani passed away in Karachi after suffering from COVID-19, family confirmed on Thursday.

He was on a ventilator for the past few days after suffering from severe symptoms of the virus.

Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed grief over the demise of Rashid Rabbani and said that he was among the close aides of the PPP leader Benazir Bhutto.

“His services for the democracy will be remembered forever,” the chief minister said while paying a tribute to Rashid Rabbani. He also condoled with the family of the PPP leader over his demise.

PPP President Asif Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed their grief over the death of Rashid Rabbani.

Meanwhile, party leader Sherry Rehman said she was "devastated" to hear of Rabbani's passing and remembered him as a colleague, comrade, and friend.

"He was so much to so many of us in Karachi. Old guard PPP, always full of enthusiasm, always ready for activism. Can't imagine any activity in Karachi without him!" she wrote.