By IANS
London : Just over a month after suspending Pakistan from its membership for violating democratic norms, the Commonwealth Thursday strongly condemned the killing of former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto, who would have been instrumental in restoring democracy to that country.
“Such an act can only strengthen the hands of those who seek to repudiate the path of democracy and dialogue,” Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said.
Calling Bhutto “a woman of charisma and courage”, McKinnon said she pursued her political and public life in spite of an assassination attempt earlier this year, as she wanted to make a contribution to her country.
“I hope that this terrible tragedy will make crystal clear the folly of violence and the importance of restraint and reconciliation as the only way of consolidating the democratic process,” he added.
Pakistan was suspended from the Commonwealth in Kampala Nov 22, on the eve of the organisation’s biannual summit, over Islamabad’s “serious violation of the Commonwealth’s fundamental political values”.
The Commonwealth has pledged to remain closely engaged with Pakistan in the restoration of democracy and the rule of law. It has also promised to review progress following the conduct of scheduled parliamentary elections in January 2008.
In its report submitted to the summit, the powerful Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group said the people of Pakistan, “have a right to enjoy the provisions and protections of its Constitution, with fundamental freedoms of expression and assembly, and the rule of law”.