Pakistan's stock was never so low in the international community as is now. The country is a favourite target of media, NGO's and the official circles in Europe and the US. The refrain is that Pakistan is a sanctuary of terrorists, an epicentre of terrorism and a direct threat to global peace and security. The accusations have been without credible evidence, but the nefarious campaign has severely impacted on Pakistan expatriates who experience on daily basis humiliation of intrusive investigation and viewed as potential terrorist. The waves of anti-Pakistan sentiments based on specious intelligence report has ground swelled and in most capitals of Europe the resident Pakistanis are living in an atmosphere of fear and apprehensions. In Britain, since July 7, terrorist attacks in London subway, allegedly involving couple of British nationals of Pakistan's origin has led to hysteria against Pakistan. The Mumbai Tragedy, in which three Britons also died, was over blown by the British authorities. Foreign Secretary Miliband visited Pakistan and before Pakistan's involvement could be established demanded Pakistan to accept the responsibility. He went to the extent of blaming Pakistan, stating that 2/3 of the terrorist attacks in Britain originate from Pakistan. The statement was followed by a telephone call from Brown to Zardari expressing deep concerns and urging him to take immediate and effective measures to eliminate terrorists and their hideouts. The bizarre incident of April 8, when 12 Pakistani students were arrested over a suspected bomb plot in UK, and their eventual release for want of any evidence and substance is the right time and occasion for Pakistan to protest against the statements from the authorities including the PM for maligning Pakistan who termed the arrests as "a very big terrorist plot." The failure of "Operation Pathway" - the code name given to the probe maligned Pakistan beyond relief. We should not therefore let the issue die unless Britain apologies and compensate the accused for wrongful detention under prevalent UK laws. The decision to deport these Pakistanis, declared innocent back home is without precedent, and should be resisted by us. There are no basis in law to deport them as they have been found innocent of any wrongdoing and are holding valid student visas. Our high commissioner in London has rightly demanded that the authorities, "owe an apology not only to these boys but also to the Government of Pakistan." The conduct of the British government in this episode has been unfriendly to put it mildly and in violation of diplomatic norms. To compound the error, the students were denied access to consular facilities by the high commission in violation of Geneva Convention. Moreover our failure to seek compliance with international norms would set a dangerous precedence. Indeed there has been a continuous attrition in the image of Pakistanis living abroad. They are looked upon with suspicion and as potential terrorists. Immigration authorities in most European capitals humiliate the visiting Pakistanis regardless of their status. The unfortunate saga of detention of son and close relatives of Chaudhry Shujaat on suspicion of terror is still fresh. They were released after intensive investigation, having proved innocent reflected the mindset of such authorities towards Pakistanis. While Pakistan and its citizens can expect and demand dignity and respect only after we put our house in order, the continuing harassment of Pakistanis abroad and inappropriate statements from European leaders accusing Pakistan for every act of terror must stop. Relations between States are not only based on equality and reciprocity but thrive only in a climate of confidence and mutual trust. Islamabad deserves commendation for its stand on the issue but must persevere in its demand that these students shall not be deported. The episode has soured the relations not only between the UK and Pakistan but also created fear and scare among expatriate Pakistani community which ill-bodes for the both countries. The lesson of this episode is manifest. Britain needs to review its policy, if it wants good relations with Islamabad and halt the growing alienation and estrangement among one millions strong expatriate Pakistanis living in UK for its own good. UK must show more sensitivity and understanding towards Pakistanis. Enhancing its development assistance to Pakistan alone will not earn Pakistani's friendship and goodwill, or help develop "stronger relationship", as wished by Brown. The writer is a former ambassador