Pakistan reaffirms commitment to GSP+ in meeting with EU delegation

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the GSP+ framework, emphasising that the Pakistan–EU partnership remained central to governance reforms, institutional strengthening, and sustainable development, an official statement said on Thursday.

Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Human Rights, received the European Union monitoring delegation led by Sergio Balibrea, Advisor to the GSP+ Directorate (DG TRADE), accompanied by Ambassador H.E. Raimundas Karoblis and other officials at the Ministry of Human Rights.

“Pakistan reaffirmed its strong commitment to the GSP+ framework, emphasising that the Pakistan–EU partnership remains central to governance reforms, institutional strengthening, and sustainable development,” the ministry said.

As one of the largest beneficiaries of GSP+, Pakistan highlighted the programme’s role in advancing human-rights protections and aligning domestic legislation with international standards.

GSP+ talks: Islamabad raises ethanol, Basmati issues in push for fairer EU market access

The minister underlined the country’s constitutional and legal safeguards, noting Pakistan’s recent election to the UN Human Rights Council as a testament to the international community’s confidence in its constructive role, it added.

“The delegation was briefed on significant legislative and policy progress since 2014, including strengthened protections for women, children, labour, marginalised groups, and persons with disabilities. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to uphold human rights despite challenges posed by counter-terrorism and climate change.”

Institutional advancements were highlighted, with the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) retaining its “A” status under GANHRI, while the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) and the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) “continue to function independently”.

“Implementation of the National Action Plans on Human Rights and Business and Human Rights is ongoing at federal and provincial levels.”

Moreover, according to the ministry, key initiatives promoting gender equality were shared, including the National Gender Policy Framework (2022), gender-responsive budgeting, and provincial measures.

“Flagship programmes such as the Benazir Income Support Programme, benefiting over 9.1 million women and the Prime Minister’s Women Empowerment Package were highlighted as major drivers of women’s socio-economic inclusion.

“Progress on child rights was emphasised, including the establishment of NCRC, ZARRA, and Child Protection Institutes, alongside recent child marriage restraint legislation. Efforts continue to address child labour, online exploitatio, and out-of-school children.

“Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to freedom of expression and media safety, supported by the National Commission for Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals. Updates on sensitive human-rights measures included reductions in capital offences, implementation of the Mercy Petition Policy, enforcement of the Torture and Custodial Death Act, and over 85% resolution of cases by the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances,” the ministry statement read.

During the discussion, the delegation highlighted certain areas for further attention regarding human rights in the country and key issues requiring government action, including the need for strengthened policies, legislation, and robust institutions to effectively fulfill Pakistan’s obligations under the 27 core UN conventions.

The minister reassured the delegation that the Government of Pakistan “remains fully committed to these obligations and noted that progress achieved to date, ongoing challenges, and future plans would be shared in detail during the delegation’s ongoing visit”.

GSP plus status: EU review puts Pakistan’s duty-free export to the test amid reforms push

The minister also welcomed the EU’s suggestions on enhancing data integration, inter-provincial coordination, treaty reporting, and implementation mechanisms.

“Pakistan has taken these points on board and is advancing progress through strengthened reporting, provincial engagement, and robust monitoring.”

The GSP+ (Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus) has played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s export-driven economy, allowing its exports to the EU — primarily textiles and garments — to enter duty-free.

The ongoing review began in June 2022, resulting into extending GSP+ trade incentives to Pakistan till 2027. The upcoming announcement of the outcome from the ongoing assessment on the 27 conventions would guide the EU to further extend the GSP+ status for Pakistan beyond 2027.