Commonwealth suspends Pakistan for second time

Nov 23:   Pakistan has been suspended from the Commonwealth because of its imposition of emergency rule in the country; decided by a commonwealth ministerial committee, pending the return of the rule of law following the imposition of emergency rule earlier this month.

Commonwealth Ministerial Committee Group (CMCG) unanimously decided to suspend Pakistan from the council pending the return of the rule of law and democracy.

The decision came although Gen Musharraf had shown some good sign of re-establishing peace and harmony in the country by releasing more than 3,400 people who had been detained under the emergency rule, which the president imposed earlier this month comprising the opposition leader Imran Khan.

But all this improvement of restoring law and order went in vain as the Group of Commonwealth Minister considered the changes made were not enough.

Secretary General Don McKinnon said the 53-member Commonwealth has reached the decision by consensus.

“CMAG” agreed that notwithstanding some progress by the Pakistan government since its last meeting, the situation in Pakistan continued to represent a serious violation of the commonwealth’s fundamental values,” Mr. McKinnon said.

“We are all clear that the choice is for Pakistan now, to make the changes that are in its interest nationally and internationally, and then to re-inter the Commonwealth as a proud and valued member”, David Miliband, UK Foreign Secretary said.

The consequence of this ban will prohibit Pakistan to attend the organisation’s meeting and taking part in the Commonwealth Games. But as far as its diplomatic isolation is concerned; it will have little impact. As Pakistan has expressed its keen desire to be taken back after it was suspended the last time.

The Commonwealth's decision isolating Pakistan came despite a last minute appeal by its caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro to defer a decision saying the general election is being held as scheduled and Musharraf has given a commitment to doff uniform.

It is for the second time that Pakistan has been expelled from the Commonwealth. The country was suspended in 1999, after Gen Musharraf seized power in a bloodless coup. It was reinstated in 2004.