The EU has warned Pakistan that maintaining its duty-free exporter status depends on progress in human rights, particularly in media freedom and labor rights. The warning follows a visit by the EU’s special representative for human rights, who discussed pressing issues with Pakistani officials. Recent legislative changes have raised concerns about censorship and freedom of speech in the country.
The European Union (EU) has issued a warning to Pakistan regarding its duty-free exporter status, emphasizing that this status is contingent upon progress in addressing civil and labor rights, as well as media freedom. This cautionary message followed the visit of Olof Skoog, the EU’s human rights representative, to Islamabad, where discussions focused on critical human rights issues.
Since receiving duty-free status under the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) in 2014, Pakistan has seen a significant increase in its exports to Europe. However, the EU reiterated that continued trade benefits are linked to the country’s progress in various human rights areas and emphasized the necessity of tangible reforms.
During meetings with Pakistani officials, Skoog raised serious concerns regarding the implementation of blasphemy laws, women’s rights, and other significant human rights issues. The EU’s statement highlighted the importance of addressing these matters, particularly as Pakistan prepares for its upcoming GSP+ reapplication assessment.
Despite international concerns over media suppression and human rights violations, Pakistan’s parliament recently passed a controversial law perceived as a means to curb freedom of speech. This new legislation enables the government to impose severe penalties on social media users accused of spreading disinformation, prompting widespread opposition from journalists within the country.
The Pakistani government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, defends the law as a necessary measure against disinformation. Nonetheless, the increasing censorship of media outlets in Pakistan raises questions about the future of freedom of expression in the country, particularly in light of ongoing international scrutiny.
The EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) was designed to incentivize developing countries by allowing duty-free access to EU markets, contingent on specific human rights, labor rights, and governance improvements. Pakistan has benefitted significantly from this scheme since its inception, doubling its exports to the EU. Recent developments in Pakistan’s legislative landscape, including the passage of laws imposing restrictions on media and speech, have raised alarms among human rights advocates. The growing concerns regarding blasphemy laws, forced marriages, and censorship tactics reflect a deteriorating environment for civil liberties and press freedom in the country, complicating its ability to maintain its trade status with the EU.
The European Union’s warning to Pakistan underscores the critical connection between trade benefits and the commitment to human rights. As Pakistan navigates its domestic challenges related to media freedom and civil rights, the future of its duty-free exporter status will hinge on meaningful reforms. The international community remains vigilant, monitoring the country’s adherence to its commitments on human rights as political and social pressures mount domestically.
Original Source: apnews.com
