At a time when Pakistan is navigating a fragile yet promising path toward economic stabilisation, the imperative to safeguard its core economic interests has never been more critical. Among these, preferential trade access under frameworks such as the European Union’s GSP arrangement stands out as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s export competitiveness, industrial continuity, and employment generation. It is not merely a trade concession; it is an economic enabler that sustains millions of livelihoods and anchors Pakistan’s integration into global markets.

In this context, recent developments have brought into sharp focus a fundamental principle that must guide all national discourse: the interest of the State is sacrosanct. Democracies, by design, provide space for dissent, debate, and the articulation of grievances. Pakistan is no exception. The right to question, critique, and advocate is a defining feature of a healthy political system. However, this right carries with it an equally important responsibility—that such expressions must not come at the expense of the country’s economic security, international standing, or long-term stability.

Economic sovereignty is not an abstract........

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