European Commission highlights human rights, governance and legal reforms as key priorities
ISLAMABAD: The European Union has urged Pakistan to address several outstanding issues related to its commitments under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), warning that future access to the preferential trade programme will depend on stronger compliance with international obligations.
In its latest implementation report covering the 2023-2025 period, the European Commission said Pakistan had made progress in certain legislative and administrative areas but continued to face significant challenges regarding human rights, the rule of law and governance. The Commission added that the country would need to demonstrate tangible improvements to qualify under the revised GSP framework, which takes effect on January 1, 2027.
The report identified priorities including accountability for human rights violations, stronger action against torture, prison and capital punishment reforms, addressing enforced disappearances and protecting freedom of expression.
Progress recognised alongside concerns
The Commission acknowledged several positive developments, including legislation establishing a National Commission for Minorities, implementation of anti-torture rules, domestic violence legislation for Islamabad, reforms narrowing the death penalty and measures strengthening the National Commission for Human Rights.
However, it noted that many reforms remain legislative in nature and require effective implementation. The report also raised concerns over media freedom, judicial independence, treatment of religious minorities, enforced disappearances, child labour, prison overcrowding and the protection of civil liberties.
Trade benefits remain significant
Meanwhile, the EU reaffirmed Pakistan’s importance as the largest beneficiary of the GSP+ programme. According to the report, the European Union remained Pakistan’s largest export destination, accounting for around 28 percent of total exports, with textiles and clothing making up the majority of shipments.
EU imports from Pakistan recovered to €8.3 billion in 2024 after declining in 2023. The Commission said nearly 90 percent of Pakistan’s exports qualified for GSP+ preferences, with utilisation reaching 95 percent last year. As a result, Pakistani exporters received approximately €732 million in tariff exemptions during 2024.
The Commission also reviewed Pakistan’s commitments on labour rights, environmental protection, climate action and sustainable development, stressing that these areas will remain under close monitoring when the revised GSP+ framework comes into force in 2027.
