May 17, 2008	Saturday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 11, 1429

LONDON, May 16: Two days after being readmitted to the Commonwealth, Pakistan was elected to the 17-member executive committee of the grouping.

The 53-member board of governors of the Commonwealth during its annual meeting on Thursday elected Pakistan as a regional representative for a two-year term on the executive committee. The committee meets every three months, and makes policy recommendations to the board.

Pakistan was also elected to the accreditation committee for two years. The accreditation committee is responsible for decision making and oversight of all applications from international associations for accreditation to the Commonwealth secretariat.

A Pakistan High Commission press release claimed that Pakistan’s election to two bodies illustrated the country’s importance as a major Asian member state of the Commonwealth.

“The solidarity and support given to Pakistan by Commonwealth member states also demonstrates the trust and confidence reposed in Pakistan’s democratic credentials,” the press statement further claimed.