Commonwealth threatens Pakistan with suspension

LONDON, Nov 12 (Reuters) The Commonwealth of 53 nations, mostly former British colonies, today threatened Pakistan with suspension unless President Pervez Musharraf repealed emergency laws and took other steps by November 22.

''If after a review of progress Pakistan has failed to implement these necessary measures, it (the Commonwealth) will suspend Pakistan from the councils of the Commonwealth,'' the group's secretary-general, Don McKinnon, told reporters.

Among the measures demanded were the immediate repeal of emergency laws introduced 10 days ago, the restoration of the constitution, for Musharraf to step down as chief of the army, for political prisoners to be released and for work to progress immediately on holding free and fair elections.

REUTERS SBA RAI0132