Islamabad: Pakistan has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the GSP Plus framework, emphasizing that the Pakistan-EU partnership remains central to governance reforms, institutional strengthening, and sustainable development. The affirmation came during a meeting between Minister for Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar and European Union monitoring delegation led by Advisor to the GSP Plus Directorate, Sergio Balibrea in Islamabad today.

According to Radio Pakistan, as one of the largest beneficiaries of GSP Plus, Pakistan highlighted the programme’s role in advancing human-rights protections and aligning domestic legislation with international standards. The Minister underlined the country’s robust constitutional and legal safeguards, noting Pakistan’s recent election to the UN Human Rights Council as a testament to the international community’s confidence in its constructive role.

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to uphold human rights despite challenges posed by counter-terrorism and climate change. It was informed that implementation of the National Action Plans on human rights is underway at federal and provincial levels. Key initiatives promoting gender equality were also shared with the European Union delegation.

It was informed that Pakistan is committed to freedom of expression and media safety, supported by the National Commission for Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals. The EU delegation was updated on sensitive human-rights measures included reductions in capital offences, implementation of the Mercy Petition Policy, enforcement of the Torture and Custodial Death Act, and over 85% resolution of cases by the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances.

Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar assured the EU delegation that the government of Pakistan remains fully committed to these obligations. The Minister welcomed the EU’s constructive suggestions on enhancing data integration, inter-provincial coordination, treaty reporting, and implementation mechanisms.