Commonwealth welcomes lifting of emergency regulations in Pakistan

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon today welcomed the lifting of the State of Emergency and the restoration of the Constitution in Pakistan.

“With just over three weeks to go before Pakistan goes to the polls, the lifting of the State of Emergency is an important step in the process of creating the conditions for the holding of the elections.” Mr McKinnon said.

“This follows the earlier relinquishment by President Musharraf of his position as Chief of Army Staff, which had been a longstanding demand of Commonwealth Heads of Government, reiterated most recently at their meeting in Kampala”, he added.

The Secretary-General said he was encouraged by these developments and the fact that most political parties had announced their intention to participate in the elections.

While he was glad that many political detainees and human rights activists had been released in recent weeks, he expressed the hope that all remaining political detainees would also be released soon. He also called upon the Election Commission of Pakistan to do all in its power to ensure that the elections are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

Mr McKinnon expressed concern over the continuing restrictions on private media broadcasters, including the decision by Pakistan’s Electronic Media Regulatory Authority to ban the live coverage of political rallies. “This will restrict the ability of ordinary citizens to engage with the political process. I hope that the lifting of the State of Emergency can see a return to the freer media climate that has been a positive feature of Pakistan in recent years.”

Recalling the statement of Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) of 22 November, the Secretary-General also called upon the Caretaker Government of Pakistan to follow up the steps taken today with the restoration of the independence of the judiciary.

Mr McKinnon also reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to continued engagement with Pakistan, as a valued member, and to work to support its return to democratic government.