A delegation led by Baloch National Movement (BNM) Chairman Naseem Baloch visited the European Parliament in Brussels, urging the European Union (EU) to cancel Pakistan’s preferential trade status under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). The delegation highlighted ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan during discussions with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) regarding Pakistan’s obligations under the GSP+ framework.
The BNM delegation emphasized that the human rights abuses by Pakistani authorities in Balochistan violate international human rights treaties, which are crucial for Pakistan’s eligibility under the GSP+ scheme. They expressed concerns over enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, collective punishment, and restrictions on fundamental freedoms in the region.
During the visit, the delegation met with MEPs and officials from advocacy group Jubilee Campaign to present a detailed dossier on the human rights situation in Balochistan. They also called for a comprehensive review of Pakistan’s compliance with GSP+ commitments and urged the EU to revoke Pakistan’s GSP+ status due to the ongoing human rights violations.
The delegation’s efforts aimed to hold Pakistan accountable for its actions in Balochistan and to ensure that European institutions take practical steps to uphold human rights principles within the GSP+ framework. Pakistan’s continuous violations, including enforced disappearances, misuse of blasphemy laws, minority persecution, and labor exploitation, have raised concerns about its adherence to GSP+ obligations.
