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The writer is a public policy analyst based in Lahore. She can be reached at durdananajam1@gmail.com
The upcoming review of Pakistan’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status by the European Union scheduled for late November 2025 presents a defining moment for the country’s economic future and its commitment to international standards. While Pakistan has benefited tremendously from GSP+ status over the last decade – getting vital duty-free access to European markets and nearly doubling its exports to the 27-member bloc — the Union’s message is clear and firm: Pakistan “needs to do more”.
This directive is not a condemnation, but rather an opportunity — a call to deepen reforms across critical sectors including human rights, labour, governance and the environment. Embracing this message with determination and accountability can help Pakistan secure continued preferential market access, supporting millions of jobs and sustaining vital economic growth.
Since Pakistan first qualified for GSP+ in 2014, the country has seen its exports to the EU rise from approximately €4.5 billion to nearly €9 billion in 2024. Textiles and garments, which constitute about 80% of these exports, have been the backbone of this growth, directly sustaining an estimated 1.5 to 2 million jobs.
These figures convey more than just economic statistics; they speak to the livelihoods of millions of Pakistani families and the broader economic stability GSP+ brings. However, preferential access under GSP+ comes with responsibilities. The programme is designed not only to boost trade but also to encourage compliance with 27 core international conventions covering human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and governance.
Pakistan’s commitment to this framework has been demonstrated through legislative reforms, institutional strengthening and policy initiatives. Yet, in response to the EU’s urging to “do more”, it is evident that translating policy into consistent, effective practice remains the critical challenge.
In recent years Pakistan has undertaken important steps: the National Commission on Human Rights regained “A” status accreditation; the Islamabad Child Marriage Restraint Act was passed; labour inspection policies across provinces have been harmonised and strengthened; and Pakistan submitted updated Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. These measures underline a genuine commitment to the spirit of GSP+.
However, regulatory and implementation deficiencies highlight the need to accelerate reforms beyond legislative milestones. The upcoming EU monitoring mission tasked with reviewing Pakistan’s compliance will not merely assess paperwork; it will look closely at the real impact — how law and policy translate into protection and opportunity for ordinary Pakistanis.
Environmental stewardship is a particularly challenging yet essential dimension of GSP+.
Pakistan ranks among the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change, facing recurring floods, droughts and water scarcity that threaten agricultural productivity and urban livelihoods alike. Initiatives like the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami and the Living Indus River restoration project have received international praise for their ambition and scale, resource limitations and enforcement bottlenecks temper these achievements.
The new EU regulatory requirements, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the Deforestation Regulation, are not solely about meeting EU standards; it is about securing Pakistan’s future as a resilient and responsible global partner. The EU’s invitation to “do more” here resonates as a timely reminder of the work ahead.
The call to “do more” resonates across several other sectors where Pakistan is making headway but must maintain momentum. Labour rights, for example, have seen progressive reforms including increased inspections, better worker protection schemes and more inclusive trade union registrations in special economic zones. These reforms are encouraging but the International Labour Organization still reports sizeable challenges, such as widespread bonded labour and a significant backlog in labour dispute adjudications.
Judicial reforms are underway, yet judicial independence remains a frequently mentioned concern in EU reports. Media freedoms have improved through protective legislation, but enforcement and civic space constraints persist. These realities confirm that “doing more” means sustaining reform efforts through continuous monitoring, accountable governance and public engagement.
Perception also matters. The narrative around Pakistan in Western media is often selective, sometimes overlooking context or recent reforms. Activists abroad, sometimes indirectly supported by hostile actors, amplify cases of alleged state overreach while remaining silent on terrorism or violence perpetrated by groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) or the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF).
International outlets have published multiple pieces that tend to emphasise instability, giving little weight to the ongoing legislative and institutional reforms. Such selective coverage may obscure the real story: Pakistan is taking concrete steps, not just paying lip service, to meet international commitments.
Ultimately, Pakistan’s case for GSP+ is one of substantive reform backed by data, institutions and political will. It is not merely about keeping tariff-free access; it is about demonstrating that a developing country can comply with complex international conventions while addressing local realities. With careful engagement, targeted reforms and transparent reporting, Pakistan is well positioned to secure GSP+ renewal for 2026-2027 and maintain a robust foundation for the post-2027 framework.
