ISLAMABAD: The European Union (EU) has made progress mandatory for Pakistan on the implementation of 27 conventions, including human rights, a requirement for Pakistan to continue benefiting from the Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+).
According to an official statement issued by the EU Delegation, Ambassador Olof Skoog, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights (EUSR), recently completed a week-long visit to Pakistan. The mission was aimed at engaging Pakistan on pressing human rights and labor rights issues and discussing the country’s plans to address these concerns, particularly in light of the ongoing assessment under the GSP+ trade scheme.
During his visit, Ambassador Skoog met with federal and provincial government ministers, military leaders, senior officials, United Nations bodies, human rights defenders, lawyers, civil society organizations, media representatives, and members of the business sector. He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in fulfilling its human rights obligations, urging consistent efforts and meaningful consultations with all stakeholders, including the country’s vibrant civil society.
“Pakistan remains a key partner for the EU in South Asia. Our relationship is built on shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, guided by the principles of the UN Charter and international norms. The EU welcomes Pakistan’s position as the largest beneficiary of GSP+, with Pakistani exports to the EU market increasing by 108% since the trade scheme’s launch in 2014,” said Ambassador Skoog.
“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 trade benefits under GSP+ depend on the progress made on a list of issues, including human rights. Tangible reforms remain essential,” he added.
In meetings with senior Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister of Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Federal Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Ambassador Skoog raised concerns about several issues. These included the application of blasphemy laws, women’s rights, forced marriages and conversions, enforced disappearances, freedoms of expression and religion, media independence, impunity for rights violations, due process, the right to a fair trial, civic space, and the death penalty.
During his meeting with Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, the discussion focused on the judicial backlog and the integrity and independence of the judiciary. Throughout his visit, the EUSR recognized the crucial role of the National Commission of Human Rights and emphasized the need to protect its independence.
Ahead of the upcoming GSP+ monitoring mission, the EUSR urged Pakistani authorities to ensure the full implementation of all relevant international conventions.
As part of his itinerary, Ambassador Skoog also visited Lahore, where he met with key stakeholders, including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the Minister for Minorities Affairs in Punjab, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora. He also engaged with representatives of the Christian and Ahmadi communities. The discussions focused on freedom of religion or belief, the protection of minority rights, and accountability for human rights violations.
The EU Special Representative plays a key role in advancing the EU’s human rights policy globally, promoting compliance with international humanitarian law, and supporting international criminal justice.
