LONDON, Dec 15: While welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency and the restoration of the Constitution in Pakistan, Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon on Saturday expressed the hope that all remaining political detainees would be released soon, the judiciary made independent and the ban on media lifted.

Mr McKinnon also called upon the Election Commission of Pakistan to do all in its power to ensure that the elections were conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

Mr McKinnon expressed concerns over the continuing restrictions on private media broadcasters, including the decision by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority to ban live coverage of political rallies. “This will restrict the ability of ordinary citizens to engage with the political process.

“I hope that the lifting of the state of emergency can see a return to the freer media climate that has been a positive feature of Pakistan in recent years.”

Recalling the statement of Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) of Nov 22, the secretary-general also called upon the caretaker government of Pakistan to follow up the steps with the restoration of the independence of the judiciary.

“With just over three weeks to go before Pakistan goes to the polls, the lifting of the state of emergency is an important step in the process of creating the conditions for the holding of the elections,” Mr McKinnon said.

“This follows the earlier relinquishment by President Musharraf of his position as Chief of Army Staff, which had been a longstanding demand of Commonwealth heads of government, reiterated most recently at their meeting in Kampala,” he added.

The secretary-general said he was encouraged by these developments and the fact that most political parties had announced their intention to participate in the elections.

Mr McKinnon also reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to continued engagement with Pakistan, as a valued member, and to work to support its return to democratic government.

Pakistan, however, continues to remain suspended from Commonwealth membership as observers here said that the group would perhaps watch the developments leading to and after the Jan 8 elections and would then take a decision one way or another.