A seminar on Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) Plus urged upon the European Union to continue GSP Plus status for Pakistan, as the scheme is significantly contributing in country's economy as well as providing opportunity to promote human rights in the country.
However, the government of Pakistan was also urged to announce serious reforms in the field of human rights, labour rights, environmental rights and good governance ahead of EU's first review of the scheme due next month. This demand was made at an awareness seminar organised by Democracy Reporting International (DRI) on Friday here at a local hotel. The speakers were politicians, civil society members, human rights and minority rights activists, media and writers Zulfiqar Shah, Team Leader DRI, in his detailed presentation said that GSP Plus is an opportunity for Pakistan to enhance its trade and improve the situation of human rights. He informed that there has been 33 percent increase in Pakistan's exports to EU during last one and half year and there is huge potential of further increase in the exports.
Shah said Pakistan's performance on compliance under GSP Plus will be reviewed bi-annually by EU, covering all the obligations to continue trade. He said since the forthcoming review report of Pakistan is due next month in January 2016, it is important for civil society to get engaged in the process and get ready to respond any consequences as result of this review.
Punhal Sario of Sindh Hari Porhiat Council talked about the status of rights of labour and said there are gaps, which the government yet to fulfil as per conditionality. For instance, he said there are still issues of minimum wages, menace of child labour, violation of minority rights and political victimisation. Zulfiqar Halepoto, Pushpa Kumari of Pak Dalit Solidarity Network, Mustafa Baloch, Regional Head Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO), Suleman Abro of SAFWCO, Advocate Altaf Chandio, Dr Ashothama, Regional head of HRCP, Ishaq Mangrio, former president of Hyderabad Press Club also spoke.
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