Pakistan re-enters Commonwealth after seven months
By Raza Mumtaz 'Pakistan Times' Executive Editor/UK Bureau Chief

LONDON (UK): After being out for seven months following the imposition of November 3 declaration of emergency, Pakistan has regained admission in the 53-member Commonwealth organisation having met all the obligations in accordance with the club’s fundamental values and principles.

The decision to reinstate the South Asian country was taken at the 29th meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group held at Marlborough House here on Monday.

The deliberations were chaired by the Malaysian Foreign Minister Dr.Rais Yatim. The CMAG comprise foreign ministers of Malaysia, Ghana, Namibia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Uganda, United Kingdom, Papua New Guinea and St.Lucia.

A statement read out by the new Commonwealth Secretary-General Dr. Kamalesh Sharma said the Group welcomed the fact that President Pervez Musharraf had given up his role as the Chief of Army Staff while the separation of the offices of the Head of State and COAS had meta long standing requirement of Commonwealth leaders.

CMAG noted that the state of emergency imposed on November 3 last year was lifted on December 15,2008. The constitution had been been subsequently restored along with the fundamental rights of the people.

The Group commended the holding of the parliamentary elections in Pakistan on February 18 and the transition to a democratically elected government. It noted that while most observers of the polls had found them to be reasonably credible and the results accepted by all parties, there was a need for reforms.

In this regard, it welcomed the new Government’s stated intention to reform the Election Commission and enhance its independence.

CMAG welcomed the recent removal of curbs on private media broadcasts on the press that had continued to be in place even after the Emergency was lifted. It also noted that political detainees and activists arrested under the proclamation of emergency had now been released.

Recalling the call made by CMAG at its last meeting with regard to restoring independence of the judiciary as an institution, the Group welcomed the new Government’s stated resolve to do so.

It urged Pakistan to respect the Commonwealth Latimer House Principles to reinforce the independence of the judiciary and resolve current issues through the parliamentary process as soon as possible so that it contributes to democratic political stability in Pakistan.

CMAG agreed that since it last met on November 22,2007, the Government of Pakistan had taken positive steps to fulfil its obligations in accordance with Commonwealth fundamental values and principles. It accordingly decided that Pakistan is now restored to the Councils of the Commonwealth.

The Secretary-General was directed to continue to offer technical assistance to Pakistan to support further strengthening of democratic institutions and processes in the country. CMAG also urged other Commonwealth members to provide similar assistance.

CMAG which also discussed the political situation in the Pacific Island country of Fiji decided to retain its suspension. It agreed to meet again in New York in September this year.

Responding to a question, the Malaysian Foreign Minister said the question of resolving the issue of judiciary was the internal matter of Pakistan and said although this issue was discussed but the members agreed that Pakistan has been able to meet all the parameters required to gain re-admission.

Dr.Maleeha Lodhi Reax

Pakistan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Maleeha Lodhi has appreciated the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group’s unanimous decision to end Pakistan’s suspension from the Commonwealth and said her country look forward to actively participating in the broad range of its activities.

Commenting on CMAG’s decision to reinstate Pakistan, she said is a tribute to the people of Pakistan and their democratic aspirations and acknowledgement of Pakistan’s return to full democracy.

As the second largest member of the organisation and one of its founding members, Dr.Lodhi said Pakistan looks forward to resuming its rightful place in the Commonwealth and actively participating in the broad range of its activities.

“The government of Pakistan is fully committed to democracy as enshrined in the Harare principles. Pakistan will continue to work closely with other members of the organisation towards promoting these principles.”

The High Commissioner urged the Commonwealth to contribute more effectively to addressing the complex and imposing challenges of the 21st century and said Pakistan look forward to playing its due role in this regard.●