The European Union has reminded Pakistan that trade benefits under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) depend on addressing issues, including human rights amid experts’ concerns over civilian trials in military courts and recently passed amendments to cybercrime laws.

“As we approach the midterm of the current monitoring cycle, we encourage Pakistan to continue on its reform path as it prepares for reapplication under the upcoming new GSP+ regulation,” Ambassador Olof Skoog, the EU special representative for human rights (EUSR), said in a statement on Friday.

“The trade benefits under GSP+ depend on the progress made on addressing a list of issues, including on human rights, and tangible reforms remain essential.”

Experts, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the EU have raised concerns over the conviction of civilians by military courts. The union has urged Pakistan to comply with the international regulations.

On Wednesday, President Asif Ali Zardari approved significant changes to the country’s cybercrime laws, despite widespread opposition from journalists and media organisations urging him not to endorse the law.

Journalists have condemned the legislation as a direct “attack on freedom of expression” while the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has criticised the swift passage of the bill through parliament.

Ambassador Olof Skoog carried out a week-long visit to Pakistan. The mission aimed to “engage Pakistan on the most pressing human rights and labour rights issues and discussing Pakistan’s plans to address them, including in view of the ongoing assessment under the GSP+ trade scheme.”

In his visit, the ambassador held meetings with federal and provincial government ministers, the military leadership, senior officials, United Nations bodies, human rights defenders and lawyers, civil society organizations, media representatives, and the business sector.

The special representative reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in meeting its human rights obligations and, in this regard, encouraged “diligent efforts and meaningful consultations” with all stakeholders, including the country’s vibrant civil society.

“Pakistan remains a key partner for the EU in South Asia. Our relationship is built on shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, guided by the principles of the UN Charter and international norms,” the ambassador said and acknowledged that Pakistan has become the “largest beneficiary of GSP+,” with Pakistani businesses increasing their exports to the EU market by 108% since the launch of the trade scheme in 2014.

He also met with senior interlocutors, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister of Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar and Federal Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan.

Ambassador Skoog highlighted “areas of concern such as the application of blasphemy laws, women’s rights, forced marriages and conversions, enforced disappearances, freedoms of expression, religion or belief, independence of the media, impunity for rights violations, due process and the right to a fair trial, civic space, and the death penalty.”

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In the meeting with Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, the focus was on the judicial backlog as well as the integrity and independence of the judiciary. Throughout his visit, the EUSR acknowledged the important role of the National Commission of Human Rights and underlined the need to preserve its independence.

In the context of the upcoming GSP+ monitoring mission, the EUSR encouraged Pakistani authorities to ensure the implementation of all relevant international conventions.

As part of his itinerary, Ambassador Skoog also visited Lahore to meet with key stakeholders, including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Minister for Minorities Affairs in Punjab Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora as well as representatives of the Christian and Ahmadi communities. The discussions centred on freedom of religion or belief, the protection of minority rights, and accountability for violations and abuses of human rights.