Key Takeaways
- European Union notes issues in Pakistan’s compliance with GSP+ obligations.
- Key areas of concern include human rights violations and freedom of expression.
- Pakistan must address shortcomings to maintain preferential trade access.
The European Union has raised concerns over Pakistan's adherence to the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework, cautioning that Islamabad will need to address significant shortcomings to continue benefiting from the EU’s preferential trade regime. The warning came in a report published by the European Commission, which highlighted several areas where Pakistan is falling short of its commitments.
According to the report, Pakistan has 'been facing compliance issues with its GSP+ obligations' and has regressed in multiple areas over the 2023-2025 period. The Commission emphasized that tangible improvements are necessary for Pakistan to ensure further eligibility under the revised GSP rules, which will take effect on January 1, 2027.
The report identified several key priorities for future engagement, including ensuring accountability for human rights violations, increased efforts against torture, prison and capital punishment reforms, and addressing enforced disappearances. The Commission also noted that while Pakistan has made some legislative progress, such as the establishment of a National Commission for Minorities and the de facto moratorium on executions, these advancements need to be translated into real improvements on the ground.
The report expressed particular concern over the country’s human rights record, citing increased enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings without accountability. It also highlighted that freedom of expression has deteriorated, with amendments to cybercrime, anti-terrorism, and blasphemy laws introducing vague provisions that could be used against dissidents, journalists, minorities, and ordinary citizens.
In a statement, the European Commission noted: 'Significant concerns remain, generally impacting the rule of law and civil society space.' The report further stated that media freedom has continued to deteriorate despite the adoption of legislation for the protection of journalists. Members of the media have faced intimidation, harassment, violence, and strategic litigation for reporting on sensitive issues.
The Commission’s assessment was jointly published by the European Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy. It is the final monitoring assessment under the existing GSP regulation and covers the period from 2023 to 2025. The report, which includes a Staff Working Document, provides detailed insights into Pakistan's compliance issues.
The new preferential trade framework will require all existing beneficiaries, including Pakistan, to reapply for status under more stringent sustainability and governance requirements. This underscores the importance of addressing these concerns promptly if Pakistan wishes to maintain its current trade benefits with the EU.
In response to the report, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Commerce stated: 'We are committed to addressing the issues raised by the European Commission. We will work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that our commitments under GSP+ are fully met.'
'To ensure further GSP+ eligibility and compliance with international commitments, including in view of the revised GSP rules as of 2027, key priorities for future engagement include: ensuring accountability for human rights violations; increased efforts against torture; in prison and capital punishment reforms; reversing negative developments in relation to enforced disappearances and violations of freedom of expression.'
European Commission, Report
