Parliamentary question - E-002702/2023(ASW)Parliamentary question
E-002702/2023(ASW)
European Parliament

Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell i Fontelles on behalf of the European Commission

30.10.2023

Written question

Pakistan engages regularly with the EU on the implementation of its international commitments in the area of human rights. Overall, the country’s trajectory has seen some progress on the legislative and judicial side, with improvements for example in areas like criminalising torture or reducing the scope of the death penalty. Many challenges remain on the implementation side to uphold and protect the human rights of Pakistan’s citizens.

Important shortcomings persist notably in protecting the freedom of religion and belief, and the rights of minorities. Regular mob violence directed against religious minorities is observed in several provinces.

Blasphemy laws and their abuse continue to infringe on the freedom of religion and belief. While in absolute numbers the majority of people accused of blasphemy are Muslim, non-Muslim religious minorities including Christians as well as Shia and Ahmadis are disproportionately more affected.

The EU consistently appeals to the Government of Pakistan to respect its obligations under international law and to protect individuals from persecution and discrimination based on religion or belief.

Pakistan is asked to protect life, property, places of worship and cemeteries of all its citizens, and to strengthen measures to prevent hate speech and mob violence.

The review of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Regulation following the proposal by the Commission of 22 September 2021 is currently the subject of a co-decision procedure[1].

Agreement between the co-legislators has not been reached yet, so at this stage the Commission cannot speculate on the conditions that a revised Regulation will require from countries wishing to benefit from the GSP+ arrangement.

Last updated: 30 October 2023
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