Information Minister Attaullah Tarar made a noteworthy assertion on Wednesday, alleging that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been actively seeking the European Union to rescind the country’s generalised system of preferences (GSP) Plus status.
The GSP+ designation stands as a pivotal incentive scheme aimed at fostering good governance and sustainable development through trade facilitation. Initially granted to Pakistan in 2014, this status has recently been prolonged until 2027, allowing the nation to benefit from duty-free or minimal duty on exports to the European market.
Addressing media personnel in Islamabad, Tarar remarked, “PTI spokespersons are receiving directives from confinement to undermine Pakistan, orchestrating a scheme to revoke the country’s GSP+ status.”
He further claimed, “PTI has exploited the purported lack of amenities provided to PTI founder [Imran Khan] in jail as a pretext to assail Pakistan’s GSP+ status.”
Tarar asserted that PTI was engendering a false narrative to subvert Pakistan’s interests, insinuating that the party was imperiling the nation’s economy through a deceitful campaign.
Tarar contended that Khan was enjoying “luxurious facilities” in jail, unprecedented for any other inmate, including a personal kitchen, an additional room, a designated area for exercise, and extensive meeting privileges.
Regarding PTI’s allegations of inadequate facilities for Khan in jail, Tarar dismissed them as baseless, affirming that prison regulations and security concerns dictated the limitations on meetings.
He emphasized that it was incumbent upon the Punjab government to conduct a security audit and for jail authorities to ensure the safety of all prisoners, including the PTI founder.
Tarar further lamented, “Certain factions are jeopardizing the country for their political gains, even attempting to push the country into default.”
PTI, however, rebuffed Tarar’s claims, with a spokesperson labeling his assertions as “fabrications and accusations.”
The spokesperson vehemently denied any intention or action to correspond with the European Union regarding Pakistan’s GSP+ status, asserting PTI’s commitment to national interests and the success of the IMF program.
In conclusion, the spokesperson reiterated PTI’s popularity and its dedication to serving as a unifying force for the nation, countering allegations of negligence during the IMF program, and highlighting Khan’s pivotal role in its progress.
