Islamabad, Jan. 3 : Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday met Iran''s Special Envoy Gholam Hussein Nowzari and expressed his deep concern over the Israel-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip.

In his interaction with Nowzari, Gilani said Pakistan has consistently and unequivocally offered unreserved support to the Palestinian cause and supports the establishment of an independent state of Palestine with Al Quds Sharif as its capital.

He said the world needs to give up its double standards by ignoring Israeli atrocities and act resolutely to stop its aggression against the innocent Palestinian in Gaza.

The Prime Minister hoped that the meeting of the Executive Committee of OIC in Jeddah would come up with a constructive and consensus decision in line with the sentiments of the Muslim world.

On Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations, Gilani praised Iranian President Mohamad Ahmednijad''s'efforts in defusing tension between India and Pakistan in the wake of the November terror attacks on Mumbai.

He also expressed satisfaction over the progress made on prospects for signing the gas pipeline and supply of electricity from Iran to Pakistan.

He requested Iran to extend the deferred payment of oil facility to Pakistan for one year rather than 90 days. He also hoped that Iran would set up the power plants in Pakistan to help it overcome the severe electricity shortage in the country.

Nowzari described Pakistan as a very important Islamic country and hence should assume a leading role in OIC for the resolution of the present Gaza crisis.

He said Iran was mustering support of the Muslim world in this regard and needed Pakistan's assistance for taking a united stance of the Muslim Ummah on the Palestinian issue.

Nowzari termed Pakistan as his second home and stated that he considered Pakistan's difficulties as Iran's and Pakistan's progress as Iran's progress.

According to The News, he agreed with the Prime Minister that there is an urgent need for finalization of gas pipeline project between the two countries. He promised to convey Pakistan's request for extension in the period of deferred payment of oil facility to the Iranian government.

He also agreed with the Prime Minister that bilateral trade between the two countries needed to be enhanced and urged both sides to make concerted efforts to achieve that goal. (ANI)