LONDON, Nov 9: Common-wealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon has convened an extraordinary meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) in London on Nov 12 to discuss the situation in Pakistan, following consultations with the Group’s Chairperson, Malta’s Foreign Minister Hon Michael Frendo.

The meeting of CMAG ministers follows the declaration of a state of emergency in Pakistan by President Gen Pervez Musharraf.

In a statement issued on Nov 3, the secretary-general expressed grave concern at this development, calling it a step in the wrong direction and a serious setback to democracy.

CMAG comprises the foreign ministers of nine countries – Canada, Lesotho, Malaysia, Malta, Papua New Guinea, St Lucia, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom and United Republic of Tanzania.

In his statement of Nov 3, the secretary-general said the suspension of the Constitution, days before the Supreme Court was due to pass judgement on Gen Musharraf’s re-election as president, was a matter of deep concern to the Commonwealth.