Pakistan Pledges Continued Compliance With EU GSP+ Framework

Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to meeting its obligations under the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework, with Law and Human Rights Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar assuring European diplomats that the government will continue implementing legal reforms and strengthening human rights protections.

The assurance came during a meeting in Islamabad between the minister and a European Union delegation led by EU Ambassador to Pakistan Raimundas Karoblis. The delegation included ambassadors from Sweden, Norway, France, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic, along with Ireland’s chargé d’affaires, Canada’s high commissioner, and senior Canadian officials.

The discussions focused on Pakistan’s progress under the GSP+ framework, human rights, the rule of law, and broader Pakistan European Union relations. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement to further strengthen cooperation and review Pakistan’s implementation of its international commitments.

During the meeting, the visiting diplomats welcomed Pakistan’s recent human rights initiatives, including the establishment of the National Commission for Minorities and the enactment of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act. They also discussed developments related to the death penalty moratorium and Pakistan’s broader human rights obligations.

Tarar briefed the delegation on the government’s ongoing legal and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening fundamental rights, improving access to justice, and reinforcing the rule of law. He said the government remains committed to protecting human rights while ensuring that counterterrorism measures are implemented strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

The minister also said Pakistan will continue engaging constructively with the European Union on human rights, legal reforms, and the implementation of GSP+ commitments. The meeting concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction over the ongoing dialogue and agreeing to maintain close engagement to advance shared objectives.