Pakistan’s preferential trade status could be jeopardized if it does not address human rights concerns, including controversial blasphemy laws, forced marriages/conversions of minority girls and freedom of religion, a European Union delegation said on Jan. 31.
The delegation led by EU Special Representative on Human Rights Olof Skoog warned in a press statement that Pakistan should not take its Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus status for granted.
The delegation noted that Pakistan’s trade benefits depend on progress made in addressing concerns about human rights, which also include freedom of expression.
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“As we approach the midterm of the current monitoring cycle, we encourage Pakistan to continue on its reform path as it prepares for reapplication under the upcoming new GSP+ regulation,” the EU delegation stated. “The trade benefits under GSP+ depend on the progress made on addressing a list of issues, including on human rights, and tangible reforms remain essential.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and originally published by Morning Star News.
