ISLAMABAD, May 7: Pakistan said on Wednesday it will give $3 million in aid to the cash-strapped Palestinian government led by Hamas.

Foreign Minister Khursheed Kasuri made the pledge to his Palestinian counterpart, Dr Mahmoud Al Zahar, who is currently on a visit to Pakistan.

“Foreign Minister Kasuri announced a donation of $3 million by the government of Pakistan for the alleviation of the plight of the Palestinian people,” a foreign ministry statement said.

In a related development, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan would also help Palestine build its embassy in Islamabad

He said Pakistan remained steadfast in its support to the Palestinian cause, wanted a complete withdrawal of Israel from occupied Arab territories and establishment of a viable and independent Palestinian state with Al Quds as its capital.

Talking to the Palestinian minister, the prime minister urged the international community to respect the electoral victory of Hamas and formation of the Hamas-led government, adding that Pakistan viewed it to be democratic verdict of the Palestinian people.— Agencies