The European Union (EU) on Friday reminded Pakistan that trade benefits enjoyed by the country under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP ) depend on the progress made in addressing a list of issues, including human rights, and tangible reforms remain essential, a statement by the mission said.

The EU is Pakistan’s sec­ond-largest trading partner, with the GSP status allowing the country to enjoy duty-free or minimum duty on European exports.

The scheme, however, is conditional on the beneficiary countries demonstrating tangible progress in implementing 27 international conventions on human and labour rights, environmental protection, climate change and good governance.

Olof Skoog, the EU Special Rep­resentative for Human Rights who is currently on a week-long visit to Pakistan, on Wednesday, warned Pakistan not to take its GSP status for granted. He also urged the government not to use

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