EU Delegation Urges Pakistan to Address Human Rights Amid Trade Benefits Review
Pakistan’s favorable trade standing with the European Union (EU) is under scrutiny as concerns over human rights practices, such as controversial blasphemy laws and the forced conversion and marriage of minority girls, come to the forefront. On Friday, an EU delegation highlighted these issues, emphasizing the potential impact on Pakistan’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status.
EU Special Representative on Human Rights, Olof Skoog, led the delegation, pointing out that Pakistan’s trade advantages are contingent upon its progress in human rights reforms. “As we approach the midterm of the current monitoring cycle, we encourage Pakistan to continue on its reform path as it prepares for reapplication under the upcoming new GSP+ regulation,” the delegation stated. This underscores the importance of addressing human rights concerns for maintaining trade benefits.
Relations between the EU and Pakistan hinge on shared values, including democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, guided by international standards. The EU has recognized Pakistan as the largest beneficiary of the GSP+, with Pakistani exports to the EU having surged by 108% since the trade scheme’s inception in 2014.
The EU stands as Pakistan’s second largest trading ally, with GSP+ status enabling duty-free or reduced tariff exports to Europe. However, this status is linked to the implementation of 27 international conventions covering human rights, labor rights, environmental protection, and governance.
The EU mission’s weeklong visit to Pakistan aims to engage with the country on pressing human rights and labor rights issues. The delegation met with key Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir, among others. Discussions focused on various human rights challenges, such as the application of blasphemy laws, women’s rights, and freedom of expression.
During a meeting with Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, judicial integrity and backlog were key discussion points. The EU envoy stressed the importance of the National Commission of Human Rights (NCHR) and its need for independence.
Skoog also traveled to Lahore to engage with Punjab officials and representatives from minority communities, focusing on religious freedom, minority rights, and human rights accountability. Notably, Christian lawmakers from the Punjab Assembly were not included in these meetings, sparking criticism. “Neither the EU mission in Pakistan nor the Pakistan government informed us about the delegation’s visit,” a Christian lawmaker stated anonymously, highlighting concerns over representation.
In Islamabad, Skoog reiterated the EU’s dedication to democracy and human rights. The GSP+ framework, he noted, is a substantial economic boon for Pakistan, facilitating significant export growth to the EU. “The GSP+ is a significant economic boost, facilitating Pakistan to become the EU’s largest export market, surpassing both China and the U.S.,” Skoog remarked.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office acknowledged the EU’s warning, with spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan noting that the GSP+ status is an aspect of the broader Pak-EU partnership and the EU envoy’s visit is part of routine engagements. Since its award on January 1, 2014, Pakistan’s GSP+ status has been pivotal in enhancing trade ties, marked by a notable increase in both exports and imports with the EU.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
