Last month members of the Italian Senate criticized Pakistan’s persecution against Christians arguing that the GSP Plus status should not be renewed until basic human rights are fulfilled. This month, EU reportedly has conveyed that GSP Plus renewal is linked to positive outcome on Asia Bibi.
This message was conveyed through European Commission official, Jan Figel who is the special envoy for the promotion of freedom of religious beliefs outside EU. That Asia bibi’s freedom is dearer to his seems clear from him Christmas Eve tweet in which he wished Asia bibi by saying that may this ninth Christmas in jail be the last one in prison for her. It would appear that there is international pressure to address minority rights and at least address the issues that arise from blasphemy laws.
Pakistan is happy to jump on whatever global band wagon is in vogue, be it signing trade agreements, be it ratifying international conventions related to human rights. Once the agreement is inked, hands are shook, photos taken, press releases sent and congratulatory pats on the back doled out, the actual implementation is pushed out of the conscious.
There were no surprises in the last report evaluating Pakistan’s human rights. The joint staff working document assessing Pakistan for good governance under GSP 2016-17 highlighted that while constitutional and legal guarantees for citizens are relatively comprehensive, implementation remains a concern.
In the report, Pakistan is requested to repeal blasphemy laws or amend them in line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Furthermore Pakistan is urged to ensure the investigation and prosecution of those involved in violent acts based on blasphemy allegations.
All pretty words but lacking any punch to bring about change. There appears to be no government efforts to calm the blasphemy hysteria. In fact, the report underlines that the government’s campaign against blasphemy on social media is contributing to the hysteria surrounding it and stirring up strong religious sentiments that more often than not find expression in violent acts.
However, early reports and all indications point towards continuation of GSP Plus status for Pakistan. Regardless of Salman Taseer’s death or that a murderer has become a martyr and a saint or that a student was lynched by a mob over false allegations, Pakistan’s GSP Plus status does not seem under threat. And that apparently is the good news.
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