The latest review of the European Union’s preferential trade regime marks a major diplomatic, trade and institutional achievement for Pakistan. The European Commission has warmly acknowledged the country’s impressive progress across export performance, implementation of international commitments, human rights, labor rights, environment, and governance. This glowing assessment underscores Pakistan’s strengthening partnership with the European Union and its emergence as a reliable nation.
Pakistan continues to be the largest beneficiary of the GSP+ facility. This preferential access has significantly boosted Pakistani exports, industrial production, and employment for millions. In 2024, exports worth 7.482 billion euros qualified under the scheme. This high figure clearly demonstrates the competitiveness of Pakistani exports in the global market.
The European Union remains Pakistan’s largest export market, accounting for 28 percent of total exports. The report highlights that Pakistan received import duty concessions worth about 732 million euros in 2024 alone. These concessions have greatly enhanced the competitiveness of Pakistani products in Europe. Key sectors such as textiles, apparel, leather products, processed food items, and other industrial goods recorded utilization rates ranging from 93.6 percent to 97.7 percent. These industries are vital to the national economy and provide livelihoods to millions of workers.
Beyond trade figures, the report commends Pakistan for its steadfast commitment to all twenty-seven international agreements linked to the GSP+ facility. The country submitted required reports on time, sought no new safeguards or exceptions, and maintained full compliance with its obligations. The successful visit of the European Union Monitoring Mission to Pakistan in November and December 2025 further reflected transparency, institutional cooperation, and constructive engagement with international partners.
In the domain of human rights, the National Human Rights Commission’s achievement of the highest level of global recognition in 2024 stands out as a significant milestone. The report also appreciates the work of institutions protecting the rights of women and children. Notable judicial and legal reforms include prison improvements, implementation of the Anti-Torture Law, training of judges, and reduction of case backlogs in the Supreme Court were highlighted positively.
Progress on women and children’s rights features prominently. Completion of domestic violence legislation across all provinces, the first conviction in a marital rape case in Sindh, and new laws against child marriage in various provinces represent important advancements. In education and social security, the National Education Emergency Plan, recruitment of teachers, rehabilitation of closed schools, and successful re-enrollment campaigns have earned praise.
On labor rights, the ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of Forced Labor, establishment of district monitoring committees, and approval of action plans to eliminate child labor across provinces demonstrate strong resolve. Pakistan is now moving from legislative reforms to practical implementation. The national study on the gender pay gap, wage reform plans, and efforts to formalize small and medium enterprises and informal workers illustrate this shift.
Pakistan’s environmental performance has also been appreciated. Timely reporting under global agreements, new policies on climate change, clean air, biodiversity, and hazardous waste, along with high legal status under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, confirm alignment with international standards. In governance, completion of the second phase review of the Global Compact against Corruption, improved medicine quality monitoring, strengthened anti-drug laws, and digital case management systems mark further progress.
The European Union has reiterated its development cooperation of 400 million euros for Pakistan from 2021 to 2027. This support will continue in areas such as green economic development, education, climate change mitigation, rule of law, good governance, skills development, and women’s economic inclusion.
Overall, the European Commission’s latest assessment reveals that Pakistan has effectively leveraged its export potential in the European market while building international trust through comprehensive reforms. The GSP+ facility has proven instrumental in driving economic growth and reinforcing diplomatic ties. This success story highlights Pakistan’s determination to pursue inclusive development and responsible global citizenship. As the country sustains these positive trends, the GSP+ partnership promises even greater opportunities for prosperity and deeper integration into the world economy.
