Key Takeaways
- Federal Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar met with European Union delegation.
- Discussions focused on human rights, legal reforms and counterterrorism measures.
- Pakistan assured continued cooperation under the GSP+ framework.
Federal Minister for Law and Human Rights, Azam Nazeer Tarar, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the European Union’s Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework during a meeting with an EU delegation on Thursday. The meeting was held in Islamabad and involved ambassadors from several European countries including Sweden, Norway, France, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.
During the discussions, Tarar briefed the delegation on Pakistan's progress in human rights commitments and legal reforms aimed at strengthening the protection of fundamental rights. He highlighted recent initiatives such as the establishment of the National Commission for Minorities and the enactment of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act. The minister also addressed issues related to the death penalty moratorium, emphasizing that counterterrorism measures would be implemented strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
The EU delegation appreciated Pakistan's efforts and discussed progress on human rights obligations, including the death penalty moratorium. They expressed satisfaction over Pakistan’s recent initiatives and noted the importance of continued engagement to further strengthen the partnership between Pakistan and the European Union.
Tarar assured the visiting diplomats that the government is committed to safeguarding human rights while ensuring strict implementation of counterterrorism steps. He stated that legal reforms are being pursued to improve the justice system and democratic institutions, which will contribute to fulfilling commitments under the GSP+ framework.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction over the ongoing dialogue and reiterating their commitment to deepen cooperation and maintain regular engagement to advance shared objectives. Tarar emphasized Pakistan’s constructive engagement and cooperation with the EU on human rights, legal reforms, and implementation of GSP+ commitments.
In a statement following the meeting, an official from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights said that both sides exchanged views on Pakistan's progress in fulfilling its human rights commitments and reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement to further strengthen the partnership between Pakistan and the European Union. The delegation’s appreciation for recent initiatives was echoed by Tarar, who assured them of Pakistan's commitment to ongoing reforms.
The meeting underscored the importance of mutual cooperation and dialogue in advancing shared objectives under the GSP+ framework. Both sides agreed that regular engagement would be crucial in ensuring continued progress and strengthening the partnership between Pakistan and the European Union.
