EU Presses Pakistan on Human Rights Amid GSP+ Scrutiny, Imran Khan's Detention

The European Union is intensifying its scrutiny of Pakistan's trade privileges under the GSP+ scheme, explicitly citing growing concerns over the detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and a wider crackdown on political opposition. This comes as Pakistan faces a critical review of its human rights record, with the EU raising questions about fair trial guarantees and detention conditions for Khan, who was recently returned to Adiala Prison after a court-ordered medical check-up. The situation puts Pakistan's access to vital duty-free trade benefits with the EU at significant risk, ahead of a revised GSP regulation taking effect in 2027. Brussels' latest assessment, covering 2023-2025, highlights a worrying regression in Pakistan's human rights landscape, despite some legislative reforms. Beyond Khan's politically charged incarceration since August 2023 and reported deterioration of his health, the EU is troubled by enforced disappearances, restrictions on freedom of expression, and military trials of civilians. Amnesty International, for instance, has noted three years of systematic denial of fair trial rights and limited access to legal and medical assistance for Khan. The deepening political instability and allegations of abuses in regions like Pakistan-occupied Kashmir further compound Pakistan's challenges in meeting its GSP+ obligations. As the current GSP+ scheme expires in 2027, Pakistan will need to reapply under a new, more stringent framework requiring adherence to 32 international conventions, up from the current 27. The European Commission warnings signal that Islamabad must demonstrate tangible improvements, not just promises, in its human rights record and political freedoms to retain these crucial trade preferences. The coming months will be a decisive test of Pakistan's commitment to democratic governance and human rights, with its economic lifeline to Europe hanging in the balance.