International Reaction To The 2007 Pakistani State of Emergency - International Organizations

International Organizations

• Commonwealth of Nations - Secretary-General Don McKinnon described the situation as "a matter of deep concern" and said "It is a step in the wrong direction". On 12 November, the Commonwealth asked Pakistan to end emergency by 22 November or face suspension from the body. On 22 November, Pakistan was suspended from the Commonwealth for its failure to fulfill this condition. The CMAG said that even though it was earlier it was indicated that President Musharraf will step down as army chief and several detained protesters were freed in last ten days, the situation in Pakistan was still in violation of the Commonwealth's fundamental values.

• United Nations - Louise Arbour, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed some concern over the situation, noting that a UN official, Asma Jahangir, was among the judicial and political officials detained. The commissioner also noted that UN prohibitions on actions such as torture and arbitrary detention remain in effect during times of national emergency, and that such actions must be related to and proportional with the emergency itself.