Status of GSP Plus-related conventions: PM chairs meeting to review progress

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday chaired a briefing to review progress on implementation status of GSP Plus-related conventions, said a press release issued on Tuesday.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari, Advisor Commerce Abdul Razzaq Dawood, Advisor on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam, Attorney General Khalid Jawed Khan, SAPM for Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bokhari, and senior officials.

Secretary Treaty Implementation Cell Javed Akber Bhatti briefed the meeting about the existing trade engagement between Pakistan and the EU and impact of GSP Plus status to promote shared objective of sustainable socio-economic development and good governance.

The prime minister was also apprised about the progress on implementation status of various UN conventions related to human rights, child and women rights and others.

The meeting expressed satisfaction on EU's acknowledgement of some of the flagship initiatives of the present government including Billion Tree Tsunami project, Ehsaas Programme, opening of Kartarpur Corridor, practical steps towards socio-economic development of erstwhile FATA region, implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) on Human Rights, combating violence, launch of National Child Labour Survey, implementation of Child Labour Laws, adoption of laws for protection of women, children and transgender, and improvement of country's ranking in Transparency Internationals Corruption Perception Index.

The prime minister was also briefed about the preparation for next biennial review of GSP Plus.

In his remarks the prime minister, while expressing satisfaction over the progress made so far, appreciated the EU's decision for continuation of the GSP+ status to Pakistan, which contributed towards enhancement of country's exports and further strengthening of our ties with the EU member countries.

The prime minister observed that the 27 UN conventions associated with the GSP Plus status were fully in consonance with our constitutional obligations, and PTI's people-centric agenda therefore the government would continue to implement conventions and enhance its engagement with the EU partners to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people of Pakistan.

The prime minister said that the present government is following zero tolerance policy towards child abuse and child labor.

Recounting various administrative and legislative steps taken to protect rights of women, children and transgender, the prime minister reiterated commitment of the government to undertake every possible effort to safeguard and protect vulnerable segments of society.

The prime minister, during the meeting also directed Advisor for Climate Change to expedite formulation of national policy related to waste management in consultation with the provincial governments.-PR