Former Pakistani ambassadors and foreign secretaries have criticised imposition of emergency and suspension of the Constitution by President Pervez Musharraf [Images], saying these steps have 'badly tarnished' the country's image.

Twenty-three former ambassadors and secretaries issued a joint statement demanding the immediate restoration of the Constitution and the reinstatement of the pre-emergency judiciary.

'The Supreme Court of Pakistan declared on November 3, 2007, these steps, which amount to imposition of martial law, are unconstitutional and illegal. Besides undermining the rule of law and delivering a severe blow to the independence of judiciary, they have dangerously destabilised the country,' they said in the statement, adding, 'They also have incurred international opprobrium and badly tarnished Pakistan's image.'

The statement also demanded the immediate reversal of all unconstitutional steps of November 3.

Among those who signed the statement are Humayun Khan, Shamshad Ahmed, Riaz H Khokhar, Touqir Hussain, Karamatullah Khan Ghori, Shafqat Ali Shaikh, Karam Elahi, Afzal Akbar Khan, Mazhar Qayyum, Asif Ezdi, S Iftikhar Murshad, Iqbal A Khan, Shirin Safdar and Salim Khan Gandapur.

They demanded the formation of neutral caretaker Cabinets at the centre and four provinces and reconstitution of the Election Commission to ensure free and fair polls.

The statement also demanded the immediate release of all persons imprisoned under the emergency rule, including judges, lawyers, journalists, students and others, full restoration of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and lifting of all restrictions imposed on the media.

It called for the strict adherence by the armed forces to their oath and constitutional role and strict application of the principal of accountability to holders of public office.

The former envoys urged political parties and candidates participating in the January 8 polls to make a solemn commitment to treat the reinstatement of judges of the superior judiciary as a top priority after the election.

They said Pakistan expected political parties and members of future national and provincial legislatures to adhere to the recognised democratic norms in their future conduct.