Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Raimundas Karoblis, along with a delegation, called on Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights on Wednesday. The meeting discussed Pakistan-EU relations, GSP+, human rights priorities and other matters of mutual interest in detail.
Minister of State for Law, Justice and Human Rights Barrister Aqeel Malik and Secretary, Ministry of Human Rights Abdul Khalique Shaikh were also present during the meeting.
The meeting discussed GSP+ human rights priorities, implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Rights 2026, and measures to enhance the capacity and effective functioning of human rights institutions.
The Federal Minister briefed the EU delegation on government measures relating to child rights and protection. Human rights treaty reporting and follow-up mechanisms, prison reforms and other related matters were also discussed.
The EU Ambassador appreciated the progress made by Pakistan in implementing its commitments relating to human rights.
Federal Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar said that GSP+ status was a great opportunity for Pakistan, adding that Pakistan was committed to effectively utilizing the opportunity to promote human rights, democratic values and the rule of law.
He said that the situation regarding child labour, child marriage and minority rights had improved, adding that the National Commission for Minorities was also being activated soon to further strengthen the institutional framework for the protection of minority rights.
The Federal Minister said that the government was serious about eliminating violence against children, rape cases and gender discrimination, and was taking effective legal and institutional measures in this regard.
He said that wherever there were gaps in the protection of human rights, the government was making every effort to address them and that the process of legal and institutional reforms was continuing.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar reaffirmed that Pakistan was committed to working with the European Union to promote democratic values and human rights. He said that Pakistan attached great importance to the protection of human rights and the rule of law.
The Federal Minister expressed his commitment to ensuring further effective progress on the human rights-related GSP+ priorities.
Both sides emphasized the importance of Pakistan-EU cooperation for the promotion of human rights and democratic values and agreed on the need to further strengthen mutual cooperation and engagement.
