ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Law and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar on Thursday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the European Union’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus framework and advancing human rights during a meeting with a delegation of European envoys.
The delegation, led by EU Ambassador to Pakistan Raimundas Karoblis, discussed bilateral relations, the GSP+ trade preference program, rule of law and areas of mutual cooperation with Tarar at the Ministry of Law and Justice, according to reports.
The EU delegation included ambassadors from Sweden, Norway, France, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic, along with the chargé d’affaires of Ireland, the high commissioner of Canada and senior officials from the Canadian High Commission.
According to an official statement, both sides exchanged views on Pakistan’s progress in meeting its human rights commitments and reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement to strengthen the partnership.
The visiting diplomats praised Pakistan’s recent human rights initiatives, specifically the establishment of the National Commission for Minorities and the enactment of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act. They also discussed progress on the death penalty moratorium and Pakistan’s broader human rights obligations.
Tarar briefed the delegation on the government’s ongoing legal and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening fundamental rights protections, improving access to justice and reinforcing the rule of law.
The minister said the government remains committed to safeguarding human rights while ensuring counterterrorism measures are implemented strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
He added that legal reforms are being pursued to strengthen democratic institutions and improve the justice system.
Tarar assured the EU team that Pakistan would continue constructive engagement and cooperation with the bloc on human rights, legal reforms and implementation of commitments under the GSP+ framework.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction over the ongoing dialogue and reiterating their commitment to deepen cooperation and maintain regular engagement to advance shared objectives.
