WASHINGTON: The United States stressed its investment in Pakistan and its people rather than in President Pervez Musharraf as it renewed calls for him to put the country back on the path to democracy.

Asked if President George W Bush had misjudged the Pakistani leader as a pro-democracy ally, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters that Musharraf had been a reformer before imposing emergency rule November 3. McCormack said "I don't think you can dispute the fact that President Musharraf has been a reformer in the sense that he has opened up the political system," as well as carried out economic and education reforms.

After welcoming so many positive steps from Musharraf, the United States has now "taken strong issue with the actions he has taken in declaring the state of emergency, in taking extra-constitutional actions," McCormack said.

"That is why we have counseled him to go back to the pathway that he and Pakistan have previously been on. It was disappointing, the steps that he took," he said. "He is a good friend and ally. Who leads Pakistan ultimately is going to be a decision for Pakistan and the Pakistani people. We don't pick and choose who leads Pakistan," the spokesman added.

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