The European Union (EU) has been under scrutiny for allegedly supporting Pakistan’s human rights violations since 2014. Human Rights Without Frontiers criticized the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP-plus) status given to Pakistan, calling it a problematic deal that should be suspended until significant human rights improvements are seen.
Pakistan has not shown substantial progress in upholding international human rights standards since the agreement began. The Christian community in Pakistan faces severe human rights violations, including mob violence, blasphemy laws, economic exclusion, abductions, rapes, and forced conversions. Despite this, the EU continues to provide Pakistan with significant economic benefits.
Uzay Bulut, a Turkish journalist, highlighted the challenges faced by Christians in Pakistan, who make up less than two percent of the population. She pointed out the systemic persecution they endure, such as violence, exploitation, and discrimination. Bulut criticized Pakistan for exploiting the EU’s trade benefits while neglecting the rights of its minority citizens.
The situation of religious minorities in Pakistan remains concerning, with instances like the abduction of a 14-year-old Christian girl who was forcibly converted and married to a Muslim man. Her father raised alarm over the gender inequality and vulnerability of Christian girls to abduction and forced conversion in Pakistan. Despite ongoing human rights violations, Pakistan continues to benefit from trade opportunities under the GSP scheme.
Expressing worry over the persecution of minorities, Bulut emphasized that Pakistan fails to make progress in human and labor rights, as well as good governance, especially concerning minority communities. The country’s actions contradict its commitments to improve in these areas, particularly when it comes to safeguarding the rights of minorities.
