GSP Plus framework: Tarar briefs EU envoy on fulfilment of global obligations

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fulfil its international obligations under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework.

In a meeting with Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, Raimundas Karoblis, the minister briefed Pakistan’s engagement with the EU regarding issues discussed during the GSP+ Monitoring Mission held in November 2025.

He also provided an overview of the comprehensive National Action Plan on Human Rights (NAP-HR), which is being implemented with a focus on legal and policy reforms, access to justice, implementation of key human rights priorities, fulfilment of international treaty obligations, strengthening of national institutions and the establishment of effective monitoring and coordination mechanisms at the federal and provincial levels.

Tarar highlighted key legislative and institutional developments, including the enactment of the National Commission on Protection of Minorities Act, 2025 and steps being taken to operationalise the Commission. He emphasised the Government’s firm commitment to safeguarding the rights of minorities through independent, empowered and functional institutional mechanisms.

The minister appreciated the European Union’s continued engagement and support to Pakistan in the field of human rights. He highlighted the close collaboration between the Ministry of Human Rights and the EU delegation on the implementation of the programme “Promotion of Human Rights in Pakistan–Phase II/EU Huqooq-e-Pakistan II.”

The programme focuses on strengthening governmental human rights structures, national human rights institutions, human rights education and sensitisation, business and human rights, and effective policy implementation.

The EU ambassador appreciated significant legal reforms undertaken by Pakistan, including amendments to the Pakistan Penal Code aimed at reducing the scope of the death penalty by replacing it with life imprisonment for certain offences. He also appreciated the establishment of the National Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals and commended Pakistan’s efforts to ensure the independence and effective functioning of national human rights commissions.

The minister further highlighted the enactment of the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2025, which sets 18 years as the minimum legal age of marriage. He also briefed the ambassador on child labour surveys conducted by various provinces as part of evidence-based policy formulation.

Ambassador Karoblis welcomed these initiatives and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to continued partnership with Pakistan.

He emphasised the EU’s resolve to support Pakistan in advancing its human rights agenda. Both sides agreed to continue working closely to ensure constructive engagement and positive outcomes under the Pakistan–EU human rights dialogue. The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to further strengthen cooperation and deepen Pakistan–EU relations in the field of human rights.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026