EU warns Pakistan that duty-free exporter status depends on progress in human rights, media freedom

The European Union warned Pakistan that its duty-free exporter status will depend on progress in addressing civil and labor rights, and freedom of speech, as Olof Skoog concluded a visit to Islamabad to discuss human rights issues and the GSP+ trade scheme. Pakistan’s exports to Europe have doubled since 2014, but the EU emphasized the need for tangible reforms, highlighting concerns such as blasphemy laws, women’s rights, media independence, and a recent law granting the government powers to penalize social media users for spreading disinformation, sparking protests by journalists.

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