London - Pakistan has been readmitted to the Commonwealth grouping with immediate effect following its suspension six months ago, a statement issued by the Commonwealth said in London Monday.

Pakistan was suspended last November after President Pervez Musharraf failed to meet a deadline to lift a state of emergency and resign as army chief.

A spokesman for the Commonwealth noted that Pakistan now had a democratically-elected government, and that President Musharraf had resigned as head of the army.

"The government of Pakistan has taken positive steps to fulfil its obligations in accordance with Commonwealth fundamental values and principles," the statement said.

It was the second time for Pakistan to be barred by the Commonwealth. The country was suspended in 1999, after Musharraf seized power in a coup, and readmitted in 2004. (dpa)