1 month ago
Pakistan's GSP+ Status at Risk Over Human Rights Concerns
Pakistan has a special trade deal with the European Union called GSP+, which allows it to sell goods to the EU without paying tariffs.
This deal is very important for Pakistan because the EU buys a lot of its textiles and clothing.
However, the EU has recently said that Pakistan needs to make real improvements in human rights, such as stopping enforced disappearances and ensuring fair trials.
If Pakistan doesn't make these changes, it could lose this special trade deal, which would make it harder and more expensive to sell goods to the EU.
This could hurt Pakistan's economy, especially since many people rely on jobs in the textile industry.
The EU's report highlights both the progress Pakistan has made in passing new laws and the areas where it still needs to improve, like reducing child labor and protecting freedom of expression.
Pakistan's GSP+ status with the EU is at risk due to concerns over human rights and governance.
The EU report acknowledges legislative progress but highlights the need for real improvements on the ground.
Enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings have increased, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Blasphemy laws have been misused, with a significant number of false accusations and imprisonments.
Losing GSP+ status could cost Pakistan up to EUR 854 million annually in additional tariffs, impacting its economy and jobs.
- Who
- Pakistan and the European Union
- What
- Pakistan's GSP+ trade status is at risk due to human rights concerns
- Where
- Pakistan and the European Union
- When
- The EU report was published on July 16, 2026, with a new GSP framework taking effect on January 1, 2027
- Why
- The EU requires measurable improvements in human rights, rule of law, and labor practices for continued GSP+ benefits
Pakistan's Government
European Union
Human Rights Progress
Pakistan's Government
Pakistan has made legislative progress, such as establishing a National Commission for Minorities and ratifying international conventions.
European Union
The EU report highlights that legislative progress needs to translate into real improvements on the ground, with concerns over enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
Blasphemy Laws
Pakistan's Government
Pakistan has deliberated removing the death penalty for blasphemy but acknowledges the timing wasn't right for such reform.
European Union
The EU report notes that blasphemy laws have been misused, with a 'blasphemy business group' entrapping over 800 people through online scams.
Key facts
- GSP+ Exports to EU
- EUR 7.5 billion in 2024
- Tariff Savings
- EUR 732 million in 2024
- EU's Share of Pakistan's Exports
- 28%
- Textiles and Clothing Share
- 70-76% of EU-bound exports
- Enforced Disappearances in Balochistan (2025)
- 1,455 cases
- Blasphemy Cases (Recent Year)
- 344 cases
- Potential Tariff Burden Without GSP+
- EUR 427 million to EUR 854 million annually
- Poverty Rate in Pakistan (2025)
- 47.2%






