EU HOLDS PAKISTAN'S FEET TO THE FIRE: Trade Benefits Under Review as Christian Persecution Continues
A European Union mission began reviewing Pakistan's human rights record on Monday, November 24th, amid mounting pressure from rights activists to investigate widespread persecution of religious minorities, particularly Christians, as the country's preferential trade status hangs in the balance.
The EU mission is conducting a periodic assessment of Pakistan's implementation of 27 United Nations conventions tied to GSP+, a trade program that lowers or eliminates duties on awarded countries' exports to the EU in exchange for pursuing sustainable development and good governance.
Pakistan has benefited from GSP+ status since 2014, contributing to a 108 percent rise in textile exports to the EU. Earnings on exports to the EU rose to $3.17 billion in July through October, up from $3 billion over the same period last year.
The EU mission has meetings planned with government institutions, civil society, human rights groups, workers, and the private sector. The review mission was originally planned for June but was postponed due to the Iran Israel conflict.
Minorities Alliance Pakistan Chairman Akmal Bhatti, an attorney of the high courts, said the Pakistan government has completely failed to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities to protect fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution of Pakistan and protected by international conventions.
"Religious minorities, especially Christians, continue to suffer from religious discrimination and institutional hatred in Pakistan," Bhatti told Christian Daily International. "The blasphemy law continues to be misused, and the main perpetrators of the false allegations are working in connivance with state institutions."
Bhatti cited evidence exposed during proceedings held in the Islamabad High Court by Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq. The judge directed the government to form a judicial commission for a fair and transparent investigation, but the verdict was suspended by an appellate bench of the high court.
Bhatti criticized the government for inaction against those involved in the August 2023 attack on multiple churches and homes of Christians in Jaranwala town, Faisalabad Division of Punjab Province.
Though the government has now imposed a ban on the extremist Tehreek e Labbaik Pakistan and launched a crackdown against its cadres, it failed to arrest the TLP leaders who led the violent attacks against Christians in Jaranwala, including the group's local chief who was nominated in at least two cases related to the incident.
Pakistan Masiha Millat Party Chairman Aslam Pervaiz Sahotra echoed concerns over the situation of minorities in Pakistan. "There has been no improvement in Pakistan's human rights situation, in fact it has only worsened over the years," Sahotra told Christian Daily International. "Continuing to extend trade benefits despite ongoing rights violations sends a dangerous message that economic interests outweigh human rights."
EU Ambassador to Pakistan Raimundas Karoblis said Pakistan must make stronger progress on its international commitments to remain eligible for the GSP+ scheme.
The review mission will examine Pakistan's compliance in areas including human rights, minority protections, the death penalty, blasphemy laws, enforced disappearances, women's rights, child labor, and forced labor.
Pakistan's GSP+ status was extended in October 2023 until 2027, but the next monitoring cycle is expected to influence Pakistan's reapplication under the new scheme that will take effect in 2027.
THE CRUSADER'S OPINION
Money talks. Let's see if the EU has the spine to make it say something meaningful.
Pakistan has enjoyed billions in trade benefits while Christians suffer under blasphemy laws weaponized by extremists working hand in glove with state institutions.
Churches burned. Families attacked. False accusations destroying lives. And the perpetrators walk free.
The EU's review is overdue. Economic partnerships cannot subsidize religious persecution.
If Pakistan wants European cash, it should protect European values, starting with the fundamental human right to worship Christ without fear of death.
The West must stop bankrolling nations that brutalize Christians.
Cut the trade benefits until Pakistan dismantles its blasphemy apparatus and prosecutes those who use it as a weapon.
Anything less is cowardice dressed up as diplomacy.
TAKE ACTION
Pressure the EU to demand accountability: • Contact the European External Action Service: [email protected] | +32 2 584 1111 • European Parliament Human Rights Subcommittee: [email protected] • Write to your national EU representatives demanding GSP+ conditions include concrete protections for Pakistani Christians
Support Pakistani Christians directly: • Voice of the Martyrs: https://www.persecution.com/give | 800.747.0085 • British Pakistani Christian Association: https://www.britishpakistanichristians.org/donate • International Christian Concern: https://www.persecution.org/donate | 800.422.5441
Take action: • Share stories of Pakistani Christian persecution on social media with #ProtectPakistaniChristians • Contact your government's foreign ministry to raise concerns about trade partnerships with countries that persecute Christians
