This decision will give some relief to those who were badly beaten by law enforcing agencies or deprived and banned from their source of income so that no body dares to raise voice against brutality of present regime.Now the single western force left behind this military rule is US 's interests in the region.Once the US people will realise that they are making fools by our army mafia group and CIA, they would surley back Paksitan movement of democracy.On CIA report allied forces has destroyed Iraq for searching weapons of mass destruction.Six years have gone,but the country which can see water resources on Mars,cant find a single weapon on this part of earth.Same is happening in Pakistan search of few US wanted men has created havoc in our tribal belts and mountains areas.In our histroy these people never interferred in any country's matter but this destruction of their homes will surely forcing them to react against the army of Pakistan.

Nazia, Lahore, Pakistan

I believe that commonwealth should review their policies on expulsion and admitting member countries back into the commonwealth. What influence they put on members to stick to commonwealth charter? Most of the political turmoil and avenges take place in commonwealth countries, also human rights record for majority of member countries are very poor. Therefore, council has to take concrete steps to ensure democracy prevails in memeber countries, otherwise membershipp should never be given.

As far as Pakistan is concerned, General Musharraf has done a lot for the US and West for war againt terror. Under this scenario, he has cleaned off his opponents as well. Proclamation of state of emergency is an example.

If as per his slogan, Pakistan first is really true, then he should not have taken those actions which are condemned by the world, Pakistanis and media. Whatever good he did before 2007, he has ensured to revert it before new elections so that he could start from scratch.

Javaid Iqbal, London, UK

To stablize the position of Musharraf is a good news to china and US,Russia.In view of he play a supporting role on anti-terrorism for US and a balancing role in stablizing the muti-power s'balance in south asian.

chuang, shanghai , china

How can a dictator be legitimized by the western press
that the court (appointed by him) approves his nomination
There goes democracy and the higher standards held by
the US.
This is a time to put pressure on Musharaf thru Commonwealth and not accept anything less.

jawaid, pawling, N.Y, USA

Hopefully if this post is will be 'accepted'

The suspension of Pakistan from the Commonwealth (twice under the misrule of Musharraf Govt) should be a welcome step for all those whole believe in the rule of law for all,a strong judiciary and true democratic principles with an independant Media free of govt 'censors' and 'bullying;.

The suspension is a rebuke to the Musharraf Govt (that is arm twisting the Pakistani nation into accepting it's illegitimate actions).

The suspension should in no way be misjudged as a step against the nation of Pakistan,its a rebuke for the Goverment that has lost all credibility both within and outside that country.

Those countries that pushed for this strong action have done a tremendous favour to the Pakistani people.

Restoration of the true Judiciary and removal of emergency should be the minimum demands of the rest the International community as well.

abrar, Ontario,

I wholeheartedly agree with Junaid's comments.

Musharraf is the flavor of the month and is unfairly being criticised by precisely those who have the most to lose if, in the name of 'democracy', the nation were to be overrun by Islamic fundamentalism.

Those whom the west are trying to make martyrs of and legitimise have a lot of blood on their hands, and are responsible for severe economic mismanagement during their terms in power.

Mush though, has been extremely efficient during his terms, and continues to command the loyalty of his troops and the police force, no mean achievement.

Musharraf is trying hard to restore democracy to the nation, albeit on his own terms, terms which given the factious and divided opposition who are united solely in their hatred (read fear) of the general, appear appropriate.

This entire 'crisis' is the result of chicanery and interference by the judiciary and former chief justice, who did everything they could to scuttle Musharraf's presidency bid.

Tej, Queens, NY, USA

I totally disagree. Mr Musharraf is trying his best to lay down the rule of law. His actions target armed militants in the northern areas of Pakistan. Due to the infiltration of foreign militants, the writ of the state is at stake. The president has tried dialogue, but the militants only respond the use of force. His actions are in the interest of Pakistan. Regarding Balochistan, the insurgency is well over 30 years old and a popular elected prime minister, Z A Bhutto, also sent in the army to quell the rebellion. Regarding the supreme court, maybe the commentator from Germany has forgotten has the supreme court was physically and brutally assaulted by nawaz sharif 10 years ago. The Supreme Court was interfering with the smooth functioning of government, therefore, a check and balance was required. Regarding self-interest, I would like to ask any single person if they know of any factories owned by Mr Musharraf, unlike the Surrey palaces and steel mills of previous rulers.

Junaid, Sheffield, UK

England should also be suspended because of its track record in Iraq. This is an Immoral and illegal occupation and against the charter of Commonwealth.

Syed Ahmed, Dallas, TX-USA

The double standard of commonwealth is very obvious. On one side they supported as they so called "a dictator" and on the other side now they are suspending the "Pakistan" from commonwealth.

Ali Jan or ahmed, Heidelberg, Germany should understand that Musharraf is doing in the best interest of Pakistan and as he rightly said the previous day, we have to choose that if it is important to be a democratic or a failed nation.

Naeem

Mohammed Naeem, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Wow, didn't realise the Commonwealth was so powerful and influential! How do I help India get suspended too?

Gautam NAthwani, Mumbai, India

The main question is how much terror and high handedness are the western democracies are capable to accept.
This dictator has been terrorising innocent people. He has been for quite somtime bombing innocent civilian and villagers in Waziristan,balluchistan and now in Swat ,branding them as terrorists to please the Americans..Only God knows how many innocent people have fallen prey to his lust of power.
Lots of opponents have been taken from their homes on terror charges and have never come back.This is among other issus which the supreme Court Chief justice wanted to know.
It was for all the world to see how he put is opponents on terror charges and banned all the news media.
The whole theatre of emergency was to get himself elected illegely and uncostitutionally.
I hope the democratic nations see clearly whyt sort of liar this man is and not pat him on his back and declare him as a democrat just because of false self interest.
Ali Jan

Ahmed, Heidelberg, Germany