Pakistan's GSP+ review shows reform progress, but EU cites rights gaps

The European Commission's July 2026 GSP+ review found progress in Pakistan's reforms but highlighted ongoing issues, including labour law enforcement, freedom of expression, enforced disappearances, minority rights, and judicial independence. Pakistan maintained ratifications of all 27 conventions and received €732 million in tariff exemptions in 2024. Concrete steps included narrowing the death penalty, a marital rape conviction, and new child marriage legislation, though implementation of labour and human rights protections remains uneven. The EU is Pakistan's largest export market, accounting for 28 percent of exports in 2024. Pakistan should consolidate reforms into governance improvements, while the EU should maintain constructive engagement through dialogue and technical cooperation.