The 2024 CHOGM was held in Apia, Samoa. It was the first time the meeting was hosted by a Pacific small island developing state. The Pakistani delegation at the summit focused on advocating for climate justice, referring to the devastating 2022 floods, and sought increased support from the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the former Foreign Minister of Ghana, was elected as the new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth during the CHOGM 2024 summit. She succeeded Patricia Scotland and is tasked with leading the 56-nation body toward goals of sustainable development, economic resilience, and addressing climate change, which are of significant interest to Pakistan.

In November 2007, the Commonwealth suspended Pakistan for a second time after General Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency, suspended the constitution, and removed senior judges. The CMAG deemed these actions a violation of the Commonwealth's fundamental political values. The suspension lasted until May 2008, following the return to civilian rule after the 2008 elections.

Pakistan's membership in the Commonwealth was reinstated in May 2004. The CMAG lifted the suspension after acknowledging that the legal and constitutional changes made under the Musharraf administration, along with the holding of general elections in 2002, represented a sufficient move toward restoring democratic governance, although some concerns remained.

Pakistan launched the PakSat-MM1 communication satellite in 2025. This advanced multi-mission satellite provides high-speed internet and digital services across the country and the region, supporting the Commonwealth's goals for bridging the digital divide and enhancing technological cooperation among member states.

Islamabad was officially ranked as the cleanest city in South Asia in 2025. This recognition highlights the capital's success in implementing sustainable waste management policies, preserving green spaces, and maintaining high environmental standards, which are key objectives discussed in various Commonwealth municipal and environmental forums.

Following the military coup led by General Pervez Musharraf on October 12, 1999, which overthrew the elected government of Nawaz Sharif, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) suspended Pakistan. The suspension was based on the Millbrook Commonwealth Action Programme, which mandates the suspension of members where a democratically elected government is overthrown by unconstitutional means.

Pakistan rejoined the Commonwealth on October 1, 1989, during the first term of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. The re-entry was welcomed by the organization as a sign of the restoration of democracy in Pakistan after over a decade of military rule. This move allowed Pakistan to once again benefit from Commonwealth programs and participate in the Heads of Government meetings.

On January 30, 1972, under the leadership of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Pakistan formally withdrew from the Commonwealth. This was a diplomatic protest against the decision of several major member states, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, to recognize the independence of East Pakistan as the new state of Bangladesh following the 1971 war.

Pakistan became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations immediately upon its independence on August 14, 1947. At that time, it was a Dominion within the British Empire. Following the 1956 Constitution, Pakistan became a Republic but chose to remain within the Commonwealth, maintaining its historical and diplomatic ties with the member nations.