Close on the heels of the US lifting sanctions against Pakistan, Australia has resumed defence links with Islamabad and lifted the restrictions imposed on the country following its 1998 nuclear tests.
"We are today announcing the government's decision to lift the measures adopted against Pakistan following its nuclear tests in May 1998, which suspended defence relations between the two countries, Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer and defence minister Peter Reith said in a joint statement in Sydney. “Our decision to lift the measures is one way of demonstrating Australia's support for Pakistan's stand against terrorism at this critical time,” the statement added. Last weeks terrible acts in New York and Washington demonstrated graphically the pressing need for the international community to make a strong and united effort to combat terrorism, the two ministers said.

The government of Pakistan has taken a forthright, front-line stand in support of international anti-terrorist efforts. Australia warmly welcomes this, they added.
In practical terms, the governments decision enables the defence establishments of the two countries to re-establish their links, the statement quoted the ministers as saying.
Pakistan has agreed to the return of an Australian defence attache to Islamabad. Canberra's decision also lifts the suspension of non-humanitarian aid, but in current circumstances it is appropriate that Australia's development cooperation programme with Pakistan continue to focus on humanitarian assistance, they said. Bureau Report