ISLAMABAD – In a significant confidence building measure (CBM) towards India, Pakistan on Sunday extended its full support in extending the term of Kamlesh Sharma as the secretary general of the Commonwealth. The veteran Indian diplomat, who became the Commonwealth secretary general for the first time on April 1, 2008, has been associated with this organisation since 2004 when he was a member of the Board of Governors of the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Foundation.
During the concluding session of 21st Commonwealth meeting in Perth, Australia, on Sunday, the heads of governments decided to reappoint Sharma for a four-year term beginning from April 2012. Sharma’s name was nominated by India and member states including Pakistan accepted his candidature unanimously. Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, who was attending the meeting, announced his backing for Sharma.
The decision to support Sharma is seen in Islamabad as an important CBM on part of Pakistan towards India, and also a positive response to New Delhi’s recent support for Pakistan as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
