The campaign to demonise and demean Pakistan launched and financed by anti-Pakistan lobby groups has increased after the most obvious change in international politics -- the post 9/11 Pakistan.

Pakistan reversed its defensive strategy (that included supporting Taliban) in the face of hegemonic and hostile designs of India, and as the frontline ally in the war on terrorism suffered the most on economic and human levels. The western media have started yet another campaign to lament upon the aid given by the United States to alleviate Pakistan's economic sufferings. Any such move could undermine US creditability in the already volatile region in South Asia, particularly Pakistan. The failed Pressler Amendment (from American perspective) imposed after withdrawal of USSR must not be forgotten. Though the Bush administration is currently affirming that it would not stage the 1989 kind of walk away after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, it is yet to be determined that the editorials and articles in western newspaper about Pakistan in helping North Korea would have any negative affect on a re-energised relationship between Islamabad and Washington.

It is critically important for the government of Pakistan as well as the expatriate community of Pakistan to make sure that the world knows the real facts about Pakistan; more importantly, the importance it holds in the region -- and there are quiet few which can be highlighted and stressed upon to our friends and allies in the western world.

Pakistan is now the locus for the American-led war on terror. Its law enforcement and intelligence agencies have penetrated terrorist organisations and as a result several top al-Qaeda leaders and hundreds of their minions are in US custody which American and European agencies could not have done. Indeed, a direct result of Pakistan's assistance.

Pakistan's strategic location is important to US interests. It is nestled between Iran, Afghanistan, China and India. This is a region experiencing rapid change. A stable Pakistan, a moderate Muslim country with strong institutions and promising economy helps stabilise this potentially volatile region. Turmoil and lawlessness on the other hand would send shock waves to the whole region.

And, as a trade partner, Pakistan and the United States can enjoy greater accession to wealth when the channels of commerce are open and protected from militancy and despotism. For example, a proposed oil pipeline from the Caucuses would terminate in Pakistan's major port city Karachi, thus opening up more energy sources for the West. This can also help solve problems of rapidly expanding but energy strapped neighbour's economy.

Additionally, Pakistan needs to continue its effort for the peaceful and just resolution of Kashmir, and the newly elected government has to ensure that the roadmap put before the world by the President of Pakistan for the revival of democracy in the country is followed literally and not detoured under any circumstances.