Islamabad, January 31, 2025 – The European Union (EU) Special Representative for Human Rights, Ambassador Olof Skoog, has concluded a week-long visit to Pakistan, emphasizing key human rights concerns and their implications for the country’s reapplication under the GSP+ trade scheme. The visit comes at a critical juncture as the EU assesses Pakistan’s compliance with international human rights obligations, a key factor in determining continued access to the preferential trade program.

Ambassador Skoog met with high-ranking government officials, military leadership, civil society representatives, UN bodies, and business leaders, urging Pakistan to implement meaningful reforms on several human rights issues, including the application of blasphemy laws, women’s rights, forced marriages and conversions, enforced disappearances, freedom of expression, and the independence of the judiciary.

GSP+ Status Under Scrutiny

The EU has warned Pakistan that the continuation of its GSP+ trade benefits—which have increased Pakistani exports to the EU by 108% since 2014—depends on demonstrable progress on human rights reforms. Ambassador Skoog reiterated the EU’s expectation that Pakistan take concrete steps to address its human rights challenges, particularly as the midterm review of the GSP+ monitoring cycle approaches.

"Pakistan remains a key partner for the EU in South Asia. Our relationship is built on shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The trade benefits under GSP+ depend on progress in these areas, and tangible reforms remain essential," stated Skoog.

In discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister of Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Federal Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Skoog underscored the urgent need for reforms in areas where Pakistan’s human rights record remains a concern.

Blasphemy Laws, Forced Conversions, and Minority Rights in Focus

Among the most pressing issues raised by the EU envoy was the use of blasphemy laws, which have led to severe persecution of religious minorities, false accusations, and instances of mob violence. He also highlighted the alarming rise in cases of forced conversions and marriages of underage Christian and Hindu girls, urging the Pakistani government to implement stricter protections for minority communities.

Ambassador Skoog visited Lahore, where he met with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, as well as representatives from Christian and Ahmadi communities. The discussions focused on freedom of religion, the protection of minority rights, and accountability for human rights violations.

The EU’s concerns also extend to the independence of Pakistan’s judiciary. In a meeting with Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, Skoog addressed the chronic backlog of cases, concerns over due process, and judicial integrity. He also reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s National Commission for Human Rights, stressing the importance of its independence in ensuring fair human rights monitoring and enforcement.

EU Calls for Meaningful Action

As the EU prepares for its next GSP+ monitoring mission, Skoog urged Pakistan to ensure full implementation of international human rights conventions, warning that failure to address key concerns could jeopardize the country’s preferential trade status.

The EU has previously linked Pakistan’s trade privileges to its commitment to upholding human rights, and the latest visit signals growing scrutiny over the country’s human rights record. With Pakistan’s GSP+ renewal at stake, the government faces mounting pressure to enact reforms and address human rights violations, particularly regarding religious freedom, judicial independence, and minority rights protections.

Ambassador Skoog’s visit underscores the EU’s ongoing commitment to human rights advocacy worldwide, as well as its expectation that Pakistan make tangible progress before its GSP+ status is reviewed for renewal. The international community will be watching closely to see if Pakistan responds with substantive legal and institutional reforms or risks economic and diplomatic consequences.