“The government would provide constitutional continuity till the next general elections are held in the country,” the caretaker PM told EU Ambassador to Pakistan Riina Kionka who called on him in Islamabad.

Many experts and human rights organisations have spoken against the arrest of politicians and human rights activists in Pakistan. They have called for a fair trial of suspects.

Human Rights Watch, in a statement on August 24, labelled the arrests as an attempt to “suppress dissent, emphasizing the importance of upholding due process”.

“In arresting Imaan Mazari and others, Pakistani authorities are using vague, overboard anti-terrorism laws to stifle dissent. The government should uphold the right to due process,” the statement added.

Moreover, timely elections are another demand many have made. In a phone call last month, US Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland and caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani discussed the importance of timely, free and fair elections in a manner consistent with Pakistan’s laws and constitution.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-EU ties and lauded recent progress made in this regard.

He emphasised the significant role of the GSP Plus scheme in boosting Pakistan’s exports to European markets. He stressed the need for continuing the GSP Plus scheme which serves the interests of both Pakistan and the EU.

EU Ambassador Kionka said that the bloc would continue to provide support to the Government of Pakistan and work to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.