Washington, Nov 7 : Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Chairperson of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, has called President General Pervez Musharraf’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Pakistan as "deeply troubling".

She further said that the violent suppression of lawyers, opposition leaders, and journalists and the possible postponement of scheduled parliamentary elections, are inconsistent with both Musharraf’s stated commitment to move Pakistan towards civilian rule, as well as the rights and freedoms that the US expects its allies to uphold for their citizens.

Lowey said Congress and the State Department should review all forms of relevant economic and military aid, from which Pakistan currently benefits, in order to ensure that taxpayers’ money is advancing American interests in the region.

"I urge Musharraf to cease this crackdown, release the political prisoners, repeal the state of emergency, and proceed with parliamentary elections without delay," she added.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, co-chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus has called on Congress to encourage Pakistan to continue forward with its highly anticipated elections in mid-January, despite Musharraf’s declaration of the emergency.

"Even though the Pakistan Government remains in critical condition, Congress must encourage the people of Pakistan not to allow violence, intimidation or fear to stop the democratic process from going forward," Jackson said.

The Pakistan Government must take steps to ensure that the election, scheduled for mid-January, proceeds as planned, she said.

"The US considers Pakistan a great ally in the war on terror. It is critical to understand that political instability in Pakistan greatly affects our national security in the US," the Daily Times quoted Jackson, as saying. (ANI)