As the European Union approaches its next GSP review cycle, Pakistan’s position is no longer just a matter of trade preferences—it is becoming a test of whether economic instruments can remain insulated from geopolitical pressure. At stake is not only Pakistan’s access to European markets, but the credibility of rules-based trade at a time when global economic frameworks are increasingly shaped by strategic competition.

For Pakistan, GSP is central to economic stability. By allowing duty-free access to a wide range of EU tariff lines, it has supported export growth, sustained industrial output and underpinned employment across key sectors.

The scale of reliance is hard to ignore. In 2024, EU imports from Pakistan reached roughly €8.3 billion, with about €7.1 billion entering under GSP preferences. For an economy at Pakistan’s income level, this is not simply advantageous—it is essential, particularly in sectors like textiles where margins are narrow and global competition is intense.

Conditional Access, Structural Reform

GSP rests on a straightforward bargain: market access in exchange for reform. Beneficiary countries are expected to ratify and implement 27 international conventions covering human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and governance.

Pakistan has been part of this framework since 2014 and has formally met these requirements. More importantly, over time these commitments have been translated into domestic law and institutional practice. Legislation addressing gender-based violence, protections for journalists, child safety systems, minority rights and access to justice reflects this shift.

Institutions such as the National Commission for Human Rights have been tasked with monitoring progress and aligning policy with international obligations. The process has not been perfect, but it is structured and ongoing rather than symbolic.

Reform in Pakistan has moved forward unevenly—but it has moved forward. Since 2012, laws such........

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