Is Pakistan's EU Trade Privilege at Risk? A Closer Look at Human Rights Concerns
Pakistan's Trade Status Under Scrutiny
New Delhi: The European Parliament and EU representatives have expressed serious concerns regarding Pakistan's human rights record, particularly regarding enforced disappearances and the treatment of minorities. They have indicated that simply signing agreements and enacting laws will not suffice to maintain Pakistan's favorable export status within the EU market, as highlighted in a recent article by the European Conservative.
In early September, Spanish MEP Sandra Gomez Lopez raised questions in the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights about the effectiveness of Pakistan's commitments without specific deadlines, measurable goals, and repercussions for ongoing impunity.
Shortly after, EU ambassador to Pakistan, Raimundas Karoblis, emphasized that the country is at a pivotal juncture, warning that the future of the GSP+ trade scheme is uncertain without tangible and verifiable advancements.
This shift in tone is significant, given that Pakistan is the largest beneficiary of the GSP+ program.
Since 2014, Pakistan has enjoyed GSP+ benefits, with approximately 7.5 billion euros worth of exports eligible for these preferences in 2024. The actual utilization was over 7.1 billion euros, reflecting a nearly 95% usage rate. The European Commission estimates that Pakistan saved around 732 million euros in tariffs that year.
Textiles and garments represent about 70% to 76% of Pakistan's exports to the EU. The loss of this scheme could impose additional tariffs ranging from 9% to 12% on certain textile goods.
The European Commission's recent report, covering the period from 2023 to 2025, sheds light on why Brussels is adopting a firmer stance.
The report indicates that Pakistan has regressed in several critical areas, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, freedom of expression, pressure on journalists, minority rights, judicial independence, and the ongoing issue of forced labor.
Notably, there have been no convictions related to enforced disappearances, and the Pakistani commission tasked with investigating these cases recorded 273 new instances in 2025, with human rights organizations suggesting the actual number is likely higher.
A new EU scheme is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, which will expand the number of conventions that beneficiaries must adhere to from 27 to 32. Pakistan will maintain its current status until the end of 2028 but will need to reapply under stricter regulations thereafter.