The European Union has welcomed Pakistan’s progress in implementing international commitments under the GSP+ framework. The EU urged further reforms ahead of its next monitoring review, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said.
The update came during the 15th Pakistan–EU Joint Commission meeting in Brussels on December 17. Both sides reviewed Pakistan’s implementation of 27 international conventions required under the GSP+ arrangement. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also participated in a Sub-Group meeting on democracy, governance, rule of law, and human rights.
Read more: EU welcomes progress on 27 conventions under GSP+
The EU acknowledged progress in aligning Pakistan’s application of the death penalty with international standards, addressing torture, and establishing a Commission on Minorities. However, it encouraged Pakistan to take additional short-term measures and continue reforms in the medium and long term.
Discussions covered freedom of expression, enforced disappearances, judicial independence, freedom of religion, minority rights, and protections for vulnerable groups. Pakistan briefed the EU on the National Action Plan on Human Rights and the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
Read more: EU-Pakistan reaffirm strategic partnership at 15th Joint Commission
The GSP+ scheme allows developing countries duty-free access to two-thirds of EU tariff lines in return for implementing conventions on human rights, labour standards, good governance, and environmental protection. Pakistan’s GSP+ status, granted in 2014 and extended to 2027, contributed to a 108% rise in textile exports to the EU.