EU Report Flags Rights Concerns in Pakistan as GSP+ Trade Benefits Surge Past €732 Million

The European Union has released a fresh assessment of Pakistan's compliance with the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework, warning that billions of rupees in trade benefits could be jeopardised if Islamabad does not address a worsening human rights record.

The report, published on Thursday, comes as Pakistan continues to be one of the largest beneficiaries of the scheme, with trade preferences valued at over €732 million in the most recent review period. But the EU has made it clear that economic gains cannot insulate Pakistan from scrutiny over its conduct in restive provinces.

Enforced Disappearances Under the Spotlight

The report specifically flags enforced disappearances in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan as a major area of concern. Both provinces have witnessed decades of insurgency and counter-insurgency operations, where allegations of state-linked abductions have long been documented by local and international rights groups.

The EU document does not name individual cases but notes that the pattern of disappearances has persisted despite repeated calls from Brussels for transparent investigations. "The situation in these regions continues to raise serious questions about the rule of law and the protection of fundamental freedoms," the report states.

Islamabad has previously denied systematic involvement in enforced disappearances, often blaming militant groups or non-state actors for such incidents. However, the EU has urged Pakistan to conduct credible inquiries and bring those responsible to justice.

GSP+ Benefits in the Balance

Under the GSP+ scheme, Pakistan enjoys duty-free access to the EU market for thousands of product categories, ranging from textiles to surgical instruments. The scheme is conditional on the beneficiary country ratifying and effectively implementing 27 international conventions, including those related to human rights, labour rights, and environmental protection.

The current report acknowledges that Pakistan has made some legislative progress but says implementation remains weak. "Shortcomings persist in the practical application of laws," the EU noted, calling on Islamabad to address these gaps with urgency.

The trade benefits have become a cornerstone of Pakistan's export economy. In the last financial year, exports to the EU under GSP+ provisions accounted for nearly 15 percent of the country's total foreign exchange earnings. Any suspension or downgrade of the scheme could have severe repercussions for industries already struggling with inflation and energy shortages.

Political and Diplomatic Ramifications

The EU's warning arrives at a delicate time for Pakistan's civilian government, which is already under domestic pressure over security and economic mismanagement. Officials in Islamabad have privately expressed frustration with what they see as a rigid EU stance, arguing that the country faces unique security challenges that Western nations do not fully grasp.

But Brussels appears unwilling to compromise. The report explicitly links continued trade privileges to measurable improvements on the ground. "The EU expects Pakistan to demonstrate a clear commitment to the core values of the GSP+ framework," it says.

Pakistan's Foreign Office has not yet issued a detailed response to the report. However, diplomatic sources indicate that a high-level delegation may be sent to Brussels in the coming weeks to present Islamabad's case.

What Happens Next

The EU will conduct its next formal review of Pakistan's GSP+ compliance within 12 months. If the bloc determines that Islamabad has failed to address the flagged issues, it could initiate a process that may lead to a partial or full withdrawal of trade preferences. For now, the clock is ticking on Pakistan to show progress — both in the courts and on the ground in its restive provinces.