WASHINGTON, Jan 5: Three leading US senators urged Pakistan on Thursday not to make former ambassador Husain Haqqani a 'political tool' in the conflict between the country's civilian and military establishments.

In a statement issued in Washington, Republican Senators John McCain and Mark Kirk and independent Senator Joe Lieberman advised Pakistan to resolve theissue swiftly and in consistent with its civilian rule of law.

'We are increasingly troubled by Ambassador Haqqani's treatment since he returned home to Pakistan, including the travel ban imposed on him,' the statement said.

'Mr Haqqani served Pakistan honourably as its ambassador to the United States. While we did not always agree withAmbassador Haqqani, and our exchange of views could be spirited at times, we always had the highest respect for him and knew he was serving his nation and government with patriotism and distinction,' said the senators.

'We regret that the Pakistani people have lost a tough-minded, eloquent, and principled advocate for their nation's interests now that Ambassador Haqqani hasdeparted Washington.

The senators said that like many in Washington, they were also closely following Ambassador Haqqani's case.

'We urge Pakistani authorities to resolve this matter swiftly and consistent with civilian rule of law and to prevent the judicial commission investigating Ambassador Haqqani from becoming a political tool for revenge against an honor-able man,' the said.

Referring to Mr Haqqani's performance as Islamabad's envoy in Washington, the senators noted: 'The Pakistani people can be proud of the service that Ambassador Haqqani has provided Pakistan, and we look forward to the day when he can once again serve the government and people of Pakistan as one of the nation's finest leaders.