EU Considering Extending Pakistan’s GSP Plus Status

ISLAMABAD: European Union (EU) mulling over extending Pakistan’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Plus status.

In a video statement, European Union Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Riina Kionka said that Pakistan will continue enjoying the preference in access to the European markets as no changes have been made in the planned extension of GSP regulation.

Monitoring the Proceeding

She said that the report will be presented in the European parliament and the member states and the EU will keep an eye on the proceeding regarding the GSP plus status.

Areas of Improvement

The ambassador highlighted the areas where the EU wants improvement from Pakistan, which include freedom of expression, media freedom, women’s rights, minority rights, and gender equality.

Crackdowns and Trials

Dr. Riina Kionka maintained that EU and international experts are keeping an eye on the crackdowns after May 9 and the trials in the military courts and anti-terrorism courts.

Right to a Fair Trial

Pakistan is a party to International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) which states that every citizen has the right to a fair and public trial. The charter also states that the trial must be held in court which is free and unbiased.