Latest news with #GeneralizedSchemeofPreferencesPlus
Voice of America
31-01-2025
- Business
- Voice of America
EU: Human rights progress needed to preserve Pakistan's trade privileges
The European Union is linking Pakistan's access to European trading markets as a duty-free exporter to progress on the country's 'most pressing' human rights issues. Olof Skoog, the EU's special human rights envoy, issued a warning Friday following a weeklong visit to the South Asian nation, where authorities have faced increasing accusations of suppressing civil liberties, political dissent, and free speech. 'The trade benefits under [the human rights development plan known as] GSP+ depend on the progress made on addressing a list of issues, including on human rights, and tangible reforms remain essential,' a post-visit EU statement quoted Skoog as saying. He referred to the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus, commonly known as GSP+, which grants developing countries, including Pakistan, tariff-free access to the EU market in exchange for its adherence to specific human and labor rights obligations. The EU statement noted that its envoy highlighted areas of concern during meetings with Pakistani leaders, including blasphemy laws, enforced disappearances, freedom of expression, media independence, impunity for rights violations, due process, fair trials, civic space, and the death penalty. 'As we approach the midterm of the current monitoring cycle, we encourage Pakistan to continue on its reform path as it prepares for reapplication under the upcoming new GSP+ regulation,' Skoog stated. The declaration noted that 'Pakistan has become the largest beneficiary of GSP+' since the implementation of the trading plan in 2014, with Pakistani businesses increasing their exports to the EU market by 108%. The EU envoy's visit coincided with the swift passage of controversial amendments by Pakistan's parliament this week to cybercrime laws that critics warned would curtail freedom of speech, not only for the conventional media but also for social media users. The legislation criminalizes the 'intentional' spread of 'false news' with prison terms of up to three years, a fine of up to $7,100, or both. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's coalition government, accused of growing censorship, has defended the law, saying it is necessary to limit the spread of disinformation. Pakistani and international free media advocacy groups, along with human rights activists, have condemned the amended law and are calling for its immediate repeal. The Committee to Protect Journalists said in a statement that the law 'threatens the fundamental rights of Pakistani citizens and journalists while granting the government and security agencies sweeping powers to impose complete control over internet freedom in the country.'
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EU warns Pakistan that duty-free exporter status depends on progress in human rights, media freedom
ISLAMABAD (AP) — The European Union on Friday warned Pakistan that its status as a duty-free exporter to the bloc will continue to depend on the progress the country makes in addressing concerns about civil and labor rights, and freedom of speech. The warning came as Olof Skoog, the EU's special representative for human rights, wrapped up a weeklong visit to Islamabad. The visit was aimed at engaging 'Pakistan on the most pressing human rights and labor rights issues and discussing Pakistan's plans to address them, including in view of the ongoing assessment under the GSP+ trade scheme,' the EU said in a statement. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Pakistan's exports to Europe have doubled since 2014 when it was awarded the status of duty-free exporter under the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus, or GSP+, incentives for developing countries. However, the EU statement warned Pakistan that the trade benefits enjoyed by it "under GSP+ depend on the progress made on addressing a list of issues, including on human rights, and tangible reforms remain essential.' It said that the 'EU welcomes the fact that Pakistan has become the largest beneficiary of GSP+, with Pakistani businesses increasing their exports to the EU market by 108% since the launch of the trade scheme in 2014.' But, the statement said that 'as we approach the midterm of the current monitoring cycle, we encourage Pakistan to continue on its reform path as it prepares for reapplication under the upcoming new GSP+ regulation.' The statement said that Skoog, during his meeting with Pakistani authorities, 'highlighted areas of concern such as the application of blasphemy laws, women's rights, forced marriages and conversions, enforced disappearances, freedoms of expression, religion or belief, independence of the media, impunity for rights violations, due process and the right to a fair trial, civic space, and the death penalty.' Though international community and human rights groups often express their concern over increasing government curbs on media, violation of human rights, the latest development came days after Pakistan's parliament passed a bill that critics argue is designed to suppress freedom of speech. The bill, which now has become a law after President Asif Ali Zardari's approval, grants the government extensive powers to impose heavy fines and incarcerate social media users for spreading disinformation. Journalists rallied on Friday across Pakistan, vowing to resist any laws aimed at suppressing freedom of speech. Pakistan's media has faced growing censorship in recent years, but the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the law is necessary to limit the spread of disinformation.
The Hill
31-01-2025
- Business
- The Hill
EU warns Pakistan that duty-free exporter status depends on progress in human rights, media freedom
ISLAMABAD (AP) — The European Union on Friday warned Pakistan that its status as a duty-free exporter to the bloc will continue to depend on the progress the country makes in addressing concerns about civil and labor rights, and freedom of speech. The warning came as Olof Skoog, the EU's special representative for human rights, wrapped up a weeklong visit to Islamabad. The visit was aimed at engaging 'Pakistan on the most pressing human rights and labor rights issues and discussing Pakistan's plans to address them, including in view of the ongoing assessment under the GSP+ trade scheme,' the EU said in a statement. Pakistan's exports to Europe have doubled since 2014 when it was awarded the status of duty-free exporter under the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus, or GSP+, incentives for developing countries. However, the EU statement warned Pakistan that the trade benefits enjoyed by it 'under GSP+ depend on the progress made on addressing a list of issues, including on human rights, and tangible reforms remain essential.' It said that the 'EU welcomes the fact that Pakistan has become the largest beneficiary of GSP+, with Pakistani businesses increasing their exports to the EU market by 108% since the launch of the trade scheme in 2014.' But, the statement said that 'as we approach the midterm of the current monitoring cycle, we encourage Pakistan to continue on its reform path as it prepares for reapplication under the upcoming new GSP+ regulation.' The statement said that Skoog, during his meeting with Pakistani authorities, 'highlighted areas of concern such as the application of blasphemy laws, women's rights, forced marriages and conversions, enforced disappearances, freedoms of expression, religion or belief, independence of the media, impunity for rights violations, due process and the right to a fair trial, civic space, and the death penalty.' Though international community and human rights groups often express their concern over increasing government curbs on media, violation of human rights, the latest development came days after Pakistan's parliament passed a bill that critics argue is designed to suppress freedom of speech. The bill, which now has become a law after President Asif Ali Zardari's approval, grants the government extensive powers to impose heavy fines and incarcerate social media users for spreading disinformation. Journalists rallied on Friday across Pakistan, vowing to resist any laws aimed at suppressing freedom of speech. Pakistan's media has faced growing censorship in recent years, but the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the law is necessary to limit the spread of disinformation.
The Independent
31-01-2025
- Business
- The Independent
EU warns Pakistan that duty-free exporter status depends on progress in human rights, media freedom
The European Union on Friday warned Pakistan that its status as a duty-free exporter to the bloc will continue to depend on the progress the country makes in addressing concerns about civil and labor rights, and freedom of speech. The warning came as Olof Skoog, the EU's special representative for human rights, wrapped up a weeklong visit to Islamabad. The visit was aimed at engaging 'Pakistan on the most pressing human rights and labor rights issues and discussing Pakistan's plans to address them, including in view of the ongoing assessment under the GSP+ trade scheme,' the EU said in a statement. Pakistan's exports to Europe have doubled since 2014 when it was awarded the status of duty-free exporter under the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus, or GSP+, incentives for developing countries. However, the EU statement warned Pakistan that the trade benefits enjoyed by it "under GSP+ depend on the progress made on addressing a list of issues, including on human rights, and tangible reforms remain essential.' It said that the 'EU welcomes the fact that Pakistan has become the largest beneficiary of GSP+, with Pakistani businesses increasing their exports to the EU market by 108% since the launch of the trade scheme in 2014.' But, the statement said that 'as we approach the midterm of the current monitoring cycle, we encourage Pakistan to continue on its reform path as it prepares for reapplication under the upcoming new GSP+ regulation.' The statement said that Skoog, during his meeting with Pakistani authorities, 'highlighted areas of concern such as the application of blasphemy laws, women's rights, forced marriages and conversions, enforced disappearances, freedoms of expression, religion or belief, independence of the media, impunity for rights violations, due process and the right to a fair trial, civic space, and the death penalty.' Though international community and human rights groups often express their concern over increasing government curbs on media, violation of human rights, the latest development came days after Pakistan's parliament passed a bill that critics argue is designed to suppress freedom of speech. The bill, which now has become a law after President Asif Ali Zardari 's approval, grants the government extensive powers to impose heavy fines and incarcerate social media users for spreading disinformation. Journalists rallied on Friday across Pakistan, vowing to resist any laws aimed at suppressing freedom of speech. Pakistan's media has faced growing censorship in recent years, but the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the law is necessary to limit the spread of disinformation.
Associated Press
31-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
EU warns Pakistan that duty-free exporter status depends on progress in human rights, media freedom
ISLAMABAD (AP) — The European Union on Friday warned Pakistan that its status as a duty-free exporter to the bloc will continue to depend on the progress the country makes in addressing concerns about civil and labor rights, and freedom of speech. The warning came as Olof Skoog, the EU's special representative for human rights, wrapped up a weeklong visit to Islamabad. The visit was aimed at engaging 'Pakistan on the most pressing human rights and labor rights issues and discussing Pakistan's plans to address them, including in view of the ongoing assessment under the GSP+ trade scheme,' the EU said in a statement. Pakistan's exports to Europe have doubled since 2014 when it was awarded the status of duty-free exporter under the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus, or GSP+, incentives for developing countries. However, the EU statement warned Pakistan that the trade benefits enjoyed by it 'under GSP+ depend on the progress made on addressing a list of issues, including on human rights, and tangible reforms remain essential.' It said that the 'EU welcomes the fact that Pakistan has become the largest beneficiary of GSP+, with Pakistani businesses increasing their exports to the EU market by 108% since the launch of the trade scheme in 2014.' But, the statement said that 'as we approach the midterm of the current monitoring cycle, we encourage Pakistan to continue on its reform path as it prepares for reapplication under the upcoming new GSP+ regulation.' The statement said that Skoog, during his meeting with Pakistani authorities, 'highlighted areas of concern such as the application of blasphemy laws, women's rights, forced marriages and conversions, enforced disappearances, freedoms of expression, religion or belief, independence of the media, impunity for rights violations, due process and the right to a fair trial, civic space, and the death penalty.' Though international community and human rights groups often express their concern over increasing government curbs on media, violation of human rights, the latest development came days after Pakistan's parliament passed a bill that critics argue is designed to suppress freedom of speech. The bill, which now has become a law after President Asif Ali Zardari's approval, grants the government extensive powers to impose heavy fines and incarcerate social media users for spreading disinformation. Journalists rallied on Friday across Pakistan, vowing to resist any laws aimed at suppressing freedom of speech.
