PR. No.277/2007

Date: 13/11/2007

PAKISTAN EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT OVER THE CMAG STATEMENT

Pakistan expresses deep disappointment and regret over the statement issued by Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) yesterday. The statement reflects ignorance to the ground realties and the enormity of the challenges faced by Pakistan and undermines the efforts vital for maintaining political stability and preserving the ongoing political process in the country.

The Emergency was imposed in extraordinary circumstances to avert an institutional breakdown and internal crisis that could have paralysed the government causing incalculable harm to the country. The international community must also understand that such a situation would have constricted the ability of the government to counter militancy and terrorism that posed a grave threat not just to Pakistan but to the world.

The Government of Pakistan is committed to full democratic rule. The assemblies are shortly completing their tenure, caretaker governments are about to be instituted and the President has announced the elections to be held before 9 January 2008. Pakistan will follow its own road map to transition to democracy as outlined by the President. Decisions on issues of vital importance will be taken in accordance with our national interests and requirements and not in observance of any artificially set timelines from outside.

Pakistan , therefore, firmly rejects the CMAG announcement and demands that are based on lack of realism and absence of understanding of Pakistan's domestic situation. We have asked our High Commission in London to send us a full report on the proceedings of the CMAG and will determine further course of action.

Islamabad

13 November, 2007