Pakistan rejoins Councils of the Commonwealth

Prime Minister Gilani welcomes the decision

 

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has welcomed the decision taken by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) to restore Pakistan’s position in the Councils of the Commonwealth.

 

Stating that CMAG’s decision is an acknowledgement of Pakistan’s return to democracy, Prime Minister said that the Government and people of Pakistan believe in fundamental freedoms and the rule of law and are determined to uphold these values at the global level.

 

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan attaches importance to the Commonwealth and will be happy to contribute towards partnership among the Commonwealth members. It is imperative that the Commonwealth addresses the issues of socio-economic injustice, deprivation, poverty, hunger and disease and plays its due role in reducing inequities between regions and states, in terms of their socio-economic development.

 

Gilani said it is also important to urgently address the topical issues of foods and energy security and development programmes and projects of technical assistance to help the vast number of less privileged members of the Commonwealth.

 

Pakistan stands ready to contribute towards making Commonwealth a truly people oriented community, committed to realizing its full potential in terms of furthering people to people, educational and cultural cooperation, he said.

 

A statement issued by the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan on 12 May 2008 said: “Pakistan looks forward to working together with the Commonwealth for furthering the objectives of the Organization and making active contribution towards achievement of its goals”.

 

Reading out from the CMAG’s statement yesterday, Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma said the group agreed that since November “the government of Pakistan has taken positive steps to fulfil its obligations in accordance with Commonwealth’s fundamental values and principles.”

The Commonwealth ministers welcomed the fact that President Musharraf had given up his military role, lifted the state of emergency, held elections and removed curbs on the media.

When High Commissioner Dr Maleeha Lodhi was asked for her comments on the development she said: “It is an excellent note on which to conclude my current assignment.”

In its statement, the CMAG noted that the state of emergency was lifted and the Constitution was subsequently restored. The Group commended the holding of parliamentary elections in Pakistan and the transition to a democratically elected government. It also welcomed the new Government’s stated intention to reform the Election Commission and enhance its independence. It urged Pakistan to resolve issues through the parliamentary process, so that it contributes to democratic political stability in Pakistan.

 

 

Courtesy: APP, DAWN, MoFA

13 May 2008