The European Union has delivered a stark warning to Pakistan: address serious human rights and governance shortcomings or risk losing preferential trade access under the GSP+ scheme.
In its final monitoring report covering 2023-2025, the European Commission noted that Pakistan has ‘regressed in a number of areas’ and faces compliance issues with its GSP+ obligations. The report highlighted concerns over enforced disappearances, torture, capital punishment, and crackdowns on freedom of expression and media.
The EU stressed that continued access to its preferential trade regime depends on ‘tangible improvements.’ From 2027, a revised GSP framework will require all beneficiaries to reapply under more stringent sustainability and governance rules.
Pakistan is the largest beneficiary of GSP+, with exports to the EU worth €8.3 billion in 2024 and an estimated €732 million in tariff savings last year. Textiles and clothing make up 70-76% of those exports. Losing the preferential status would deal a significant blow to Pakistan’s economy.
The report did acknowledge some progress, including the establishment of a National Commission for Minorities, expansion of the Anti-Torture Act, and a conviction for marital rape. However, it warned that most progress remains legislative and must be translated into real improvements on the ground.
Article and image source: dawn.com
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