Pakistan: European Parliament considers revoking country’s GSP status over blasphemy law abuses
“European Parliament to withdraw Pakistan's GSP+ status over abuse of blasphemy laws”, 26 July 2021.
Amid abuse of the blasphemy laws and cases widely reported across Pakistan, the European Parliament has moved to withdraw Islamabad's GSP+ status.
…[T]he European Parliament has criticised Pakistan's controversial blasphemy laws and called for a review of the status quo.
Pakistan is a major beneficiary of the trading opportunities offered by the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP).
[...]
In order to maintain GSP+ status, Pakistan is obliged to ratify and effectively implement 27 core international conventions on human and labour rights, environmental protection and good governance.
…[A] Joint Motion for a Resolution, supported by all major political groups, MEPs called for an immediate review of Pakistan's eligibility for GSP+ status, and considered appropriate, the withdrawal of that status, said EU Political Report.
Such a move, which apparently enjoys the support of the majority of the house, would be highly damaging for Pakistan's economy..
[...]
..[T]he European Parliament adopted a joint motion, supported by all major political groups, for a resolution on the blasphemy laws in Pakistan, calling for more comprehensive approaches to address such abuses of the laws..