ISLAMABAD, Dec 22: Former prime minister and Pakistan People’s Party chairperson Benazir Bhutto has congratulated Donald Mckinnon on his election as the secretary-general of the Commonwealth for the second term.

She also hailed the Commonwealth for its commitment to freedom, the rule of law and human rights.

Ms Bhutto, in a letter facilitating Mr Mckinnon, stated: “There could not have been a better choice by the institution in these challenging times which demand a proactive leadership.

The people of my country will always remember Abuja Commonwealth summit for refusing to become party to supporting wrong on the ground of expediency.

“In insisting that Islamabad respect the sovereignty of Parliament as a law-making body and that the offices of chief of army staff and president be separated, the Commonwealth has reflected the sentiments espoused by the people of Pakistan through its elected representatives, members of the bar associations, non-governmental organizations, intellectuals and writers.”