Pakistan urges Commonwealth to delay suspension decision

Pakistan today urged the Commonwealth to delay a decision on suspending it from the group over the declaration of emergency in the country.

Islamabad, Nov 21 : Pakistan today urged the Commonwealth to delay a decision on suspending it from the group over the declaration of emergency in the country.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mohammed Sadiq said that Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro told his British counterpart Gordon Brown in a telephone call that a hasty decision would be "unfortunate."

Instead the Commonwealth "should have a short postponement of the decision and immediately send a delegation to Pakistan to look at the situation in the country," The News quoted Sadiq, as saying.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will discuss the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) report on Pakistan's suspension on Thursday.

The CMAG, in an extraordinary meeting in London on November 12, laid down a five-point criteria for Pakistan to retain its Commonwealth membership, including releasing of political leaders, lifting of the emergency and the curbs on the media, the holding of free and fair election and the restoration of the Constitution.

The Pakistan Foreign Office, expressing deep disappointment and regret over the CMAG statement, said it would not be possible to meet "all the demands" before the November 22 deadline set by the Commonwealth.

ANI