The European Union has pointedly advised Pakistan that its continuation as a duty-free exporter hinges heavily on meeting specific human rights and media freedom benchmarks. This message was delivered as Olof Skoog, the EU's special representative for human rights, concluded his comprehensive visit to Islamabad. The primary purpose of his visit was to collaborate with Pakistan on pivotal civil rights and labor issues while evaluating the country's alignment with the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade program.
Since receiving the GSP+ status in 2014, Pakistan's export activities to Europe have witnessed a significant upsurge, with an increase of over 108%. However, the EU's recent statement underscores that these trade advantages are contingent upon substantial advancements in resolving a spectrum of human rights challenges. The EU lauds Pakistan for becoming the largest GSP+ beneficiary but insists on continued progress as the midterm monitoring phase approaches for the GSP+ program.
During his discussions with Pakistani officials, Skoog emphasized significant areas of concern, including the implementation of blasphemy laws, women’s rights, forced marriages, restrictions on media freedoms, and cases of enforced disappearances. Additionally, he raised issues surrounding the right to a fair trial, threats to civic spaces, and ongoing use of the death penalty. These elements form critical indicators in assessing Pakistan's adherence to the conditions of the GSP+ agreement.
This warning comes at a time when global human rights organizations have consistently spotlighted the increasing restrictions placed on media freedom within Pakistan. Recently, the situation ratcheted up with the passage of a controversial bill, now law under President Asif Ali Zardari’s approval, that hands authorities significant latitude to penalize social media users for so-called disinformation. Critics argue that this legislation could further stifle expression, particularly affecting journalists who have faced a progressively oppressive media environment under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government.
Notably, Pakistani journalists have taken to the streets, vowing collective resistance against any law impinging upon freedom of speech. This determination to battle restrictive narratives highlights a broader concern about maintaining an open and democratic society.
The EU's persistent pressure for Pakistan to implement tangible reforms is a clear message underscoring the importance of safeguarding human rights and media liberties in international trade relationships. As the EU looks towards a new GSP+ regulatory framework, Pakistan is faced with the crucial task of addressing these deep-rooted issues to sustain its lucrative duty-free trade benefits.
