Monday, May 12, 2008, Jamadi-ul-Awwal 5, 1429    

CW considers re-entry of Pakistan today

London—Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) is meeting here today to consider lifting Pakistan’s suspension from the 53-member club.
The nine countries comprising CMAG include the current chair Malaysia, UK, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Namibia, Uganda, New Zealand, St.Lucia and Papua New Guinea had suspended Pakistan in November last year following the imposition of emergency.
Diplomatic sources appear optimistic about Pakistan regaining its membership following the February 18 Parliamentary elections and with the return of the country to complete democracy, removal of restrictions on media and President Pervez Musharraf no longer in Army uniform.
The new Commonwealth Secretary General and former Indian diplomat Kamalesh Sharma has also voiced his hopes about Pakistan’s readmittance.
The CMAG is the standing committee of foreign ministers which examines any abuses of democracy or human rights within Commonwealth. Sharma clearly believes the return to democracy after the recent elections had strengthened Pakistan’s case for readmission.—APP