Washington: The United States has said it is not going to treat Pakistan President Prevez Musharraf differently after he shed his uniform and will maintain the kind of relationship it was having with the country.

"We're not going to deal with President Musharraf now any differently. Things will not be any different now under the changed circumstances and that Washington will still be in touch with Musharraf," US States Department Spokesperson Sean McCormack has said.

It is a "recent event" and the US has made it quite clear to him its view that he should lift the state of emergency well in advance of the upcoming elections scheduled for January, McCormack said.

"We are also going to continue having the kinds of relationships that we think are important with members of important institutions in Pakistani society, whether that's the military or civil society or political parties," he said. The recent actions of President Musharraf, declaring the state of emergency and taking some subsequent actions, were a diversion and a detour from that democratic pathway, he added.

"Our counsel has been to get back on the pathway to democracy and constitutional rule. His following through on his pledge is positive. There s more to do," he asserted.

The US was looking forward to working with the Pakistani government in the future, he said. "We have an investment in that relationship. And our counsel has only been to do those things which we believe are in the interests of the Pakistani people and Pakistan," McCormack said.

Source : PTI