NEW YORK, Jan 30 (Pajhwok Afghan News): After having a first hand account of ground realities during their just concluded visit, the powerful congressional delegation called for "increased attention" to Afghanistan.

In an obvious reference to the observation coming recently from some diplomatic and strategic circles that the war in Iraq diverted attention of the Administration, the congressional delegation led by the House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, termed it as a "forgotten war in Afghanistan."

In a statement issued upon return from the three-nation trip of Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, the US lawmakers said they would "expeditiously consider" the Bush administration proposal to provide a $10.6 billion aid to Afghanistan in the next two years. This, the congressmen said would enhance "our efforts to assist our Afghan partners."

Besides, strengthening the armed force and police, a separate $2 billion has been allocated for reconstruction process.  "In our discussions, President Karzai stressed the crucial importance of reconstruction," the statement said.

The lawmakers observed the increase in US and NATO forces would help them in Afghanistan war. "Many of us have been convinced for some time that additional forces would benefit the forgotten war in Afghanistan. We are pleased our commanders will now have larger numbers of American troops to prepare for challenging operations in the spring," the statement said.

Last week, the Pentagon announced its decision to extend the stay of some 3,200 US troops in Afghanistan by four months. The Defense Department is also likely to announce the increase in its troop strength in Afghanistan. While there has been opposition to any increase in US troops in Iraq, there is a near political consensus on any such move in Afghanistan.

The Congressional delegation included Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member David Hobson; Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton; Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Lantos; Intelligence Committee Chairman Silvestre Reyes; Defence Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman John Murtha; and State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman Nita Lowey.

Besides meeting President Karzai in Kabul, the delegation also met the Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf in Islamabad, wherein they discussed the ways to improve cross-border security, the statement said.

At the same time, the delegation expressed its concern over the escalating poppy cultivation and called for stern counter-narcotics measures. "Without aggressive action, this drug problem risks undermining the efforts of the Afghan government and coalition forces to stabilize the country," it said.