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Friday, 17 July, 2026 | 2 Safar, 1448
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 112 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
EU CAUTIONS PAKISTAN TO ADDRESS RIGHTS CONCERNS OR RISK GSP+ TRADE BENEFITS AFTER 2027 g
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EUROPEAN COMMISSION SAYS ISLAMABAD HAS REGRESSED IN SEVERAL AREAS DESPITE ‘LIMITED PROGRESS’ REPORT VOICES CONCERN OVER CURBS ON FREE EXPRESSION, JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE AND TREATMENT OF OPPOSITION
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ISLAMABAD
BRUSSELS LINKS FUTURE GSP+ ELIGIBILITY TO REFORMS ON HUMAN RIGHTS, RULE OF LAW, TORTURE AND ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCES ACKNOWLEDGES PROGRESS ON MINORITY RIGHTS, ANTI-TORTURE MEASURES, PRISON REFORMS AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE LEGISLATION
STAFF REPORT
HE European Union has cautioned that Pakistan must address persistent shortcomings in implementing its commitments under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) if it is to retain preferential access to the European market under a revised trade framework that comes into force on January 1, 2027. In its latest report on the implementation of the GSP covering the 20232025 period, released on Thursday, the European Commission said Pakistan had "been facing compliance issues with its GSP+ obligations" and had "regressed in a number of areas while positive change was limited." The report warned that Pakistan's continued eligibility for the EU's preferential trade regime would depend on demonstrable progress in addressing longstanding concerns, particularly in the areas of human rights, rule of law and governance, ahead of the implementation of the revised GSP framework. "To ensure further GSP+ eligibility and compliance with international commitments, including in view of the revised GSP rules as of 2027, key priorities for future engagement include: ensuring accountability for human rights violations; increased efforts against torture; prison and capital punishment reforms; reversing negative developments in relation to enforced disappearances and vio-
lations of freedom of expression," the report emphasised. Under the revised preferential trade framework, which will take effect on January 1, 2027, all existing GSP+ beneficiaries will be required to reapply for the status under more stringent sustainability, governance and human rights requirements. The report, jointly published by the European Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, is the final monitoring assessment under the existing GSP regulation and reviews Pakistan's performance during the 2023-2025 reporting period. The Commission's detailed assessment of Pakistan, contained in an accom-
panying Staff Working Document, was dominated by concerns over the country's human rights record, although it also acknowledged several important legislative and institutional reforms introduced during the review period. Among the positive developments highlighted were legislation establishing a National Commission for Minorities, measures narrowing the scope of the death penalty, the continuation of the de facto moratorium on executions, implementing rules under the Anti-Torture Act, the enactment of the Domestic Violence Bill for Islamabad Capital Territory, and Pakistan's first conviction for marital rape. The report also praised the National
pakistan urges uS, iran to revive Mou talks as regional conflict deepens ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Pakistan on Thursday renewed its call for “an immediate end to hostilities between the United States and Iran,” urging both sides to return to technical-level negotiations under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), while acknowledging that implementation of the peace framework brokered by Pakistan and Qatar was facing mounting challenges amid renewed military escalation in the region. Addressing the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan remained committed to encouraging dialogue and diplomacy, stressing that the Islamabad MoU signed between Washington and Tehran last month continued to provide an enduring framework for resolving the conflict peacefully. "Pakistan will continue to encourage all sides to end violence and resume technical-level talks in accordance with the MoU and the joint statement issued by mediators Pakistan and Qatar on June 20 following the direct talks in Switzerland," Andrabi said. "We hope all parties will remain committed to the path of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving their outstanding issues," he added. The spokesperson noted that the implementation of the Islamabad MoU was currently "facing challenges" as hostilities had intensified over the past week. "As hostilities have continued over the past week, Pakistan reiterates its call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions that would further undermine peace and stability," he said. His remarks came as the United States and Iran continued to exchange attacks on Thursday, with Washington striking Iran's coastal defence
and missile sites, while Tehran responded by targeting American military installations in neighbouring Gulf countries. "Pakistan firmly believes that there is no alternative to sustained engagement, dialogue and diplomacy in pursuit of the shared objectives of lasting peace, stability and progress," Andrabi said. He stressed that all conflicts and disputes are ultimately resolved through negotiations, describing the Islamabad MoU as an "enduring framework for promoting peace, mutual respect and shared prosperity." The Foreign Office also underlined the importance of ensuring the continued safety, security and freedom of maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. "Many countries, particularly those in the Global South, are being adversely affected by the situation in the Strait of Hormuz," Andrabi observed. "Pakistan recognises the urgent need to address the impact of the current situation on global energy supplies and other economic commodities, including trade and food security," he said, expressing hope for an early normalisation of the situation in the strategically important waterway. Regional tensions have intensified since Iran announced on Sunday that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the United States to reimpose its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Ongoing military operations have also disrupted commercial shipping through the vital maritime corridor, which carried around one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments before the conflict. The disruption has pushed global oil prices sharply higher and fuelled concerns about rising inflation worldwide. Pakistan increased petrol and high-speed diesel prices by more than Rs13 on July 10, while global crude prices climbed to a four-week high on Tuesday.
Commission for Human Rights, describing it as an increasingly important institution in advancing Pakistan's human rights obligations. However, the Commission observed that "most progress is of legislative and administrative nature and needs to be translated into real improvements on the ground." It said significant concerns remained, particularly regarding the rule of law and civic space, adding that reports of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings had increased without accountability for those responsible. The Commission also expressed concern over what it described as a deterioration in freedom of expression, arguing that amendments to cybercrime, anti-terrorism and blasphemy laws had introduced broadly worded provisions that could be used against dissidents, journalists, human rights defenders, minorities and ordinary citizens. According to the report, media freedom continued to deteriorate despite the introduction of legislation aimed at protecting journalists, with media professionals continuing to face intimidation, harassment, violence and strategic litigation while reporting on sensitive issues. The report specifically noted that "targeted litigation (strategic lawsuits against public participation, SLAPPs) is sometimes employed to prevent journalists and lawyers from doing their work."
PM orders ‘nationwide readiness’ as regional tensions put economy on alert ISLAMABAD
SALEEM JADOON
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed all relevant authorities to remain fully prepared to deal with any potential challenges arising from the prevailing regional uncertainty, while praising the public for its wholehearted support of the government's austerity measures and fuel conservation campaign aimed at safeguarding the national economy. Chairing a high-level meeting to review the impact of regional tensions on the country's economy, the prime minister said that, by the grace of Allah, Pakistan's economy remained stable despite the evolving regional situation. However, he stressed the need to formulate a comprehensive strategy to ensure timely and effective responses to any emerging challenges. The meeting was informed that the country currently possessed sufficient petroleum reserves to meet domestic requirements and that measures had already been put in place to ensure an uninterrupted supply of petroleum products in the coming months. Prime Minister Shehbaz commended the government's timely and effective strategy, saying it had ensured the smooth management of the country's fuel supply situation despite regional uncertainty. He noted that the government had protected the interests of the common man, including motorcyclists, rickshaw drivers and transporters, adding that state subsidies had helped cushion the impact of any increase in fuel prices.
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Pakistan joins China-backed global AI body as founding member
SHANGHAI STAFF REPORT
Pakistan on Thursday became a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar signed the agreement establishing the China-backed global AI forum in Shanghai, reaffirming Islamabad's commitment to promoting inclusive international cooperation and equitable access to artificial intelligence, particularly for the Global South. "Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar signed the agreement on the establishment of the WAICO on behalf of Pakistan at the signing ceremony held today in Shanghai, China," the Foreign Office (FO) said in a post on X. The FO said Pakistan, as a founding member of WAICO, had reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, particularly from the
perspective of developing countries. "Pakistan looks forward to working closely with fellow WAICO member states in efforts to help bridge the global AI divide and to promote equitable access to AI to advance development for all," it added. Earlier in the day, Dar arrived in Shanghai to sign the agreement on Pakistan's behalf. China had first proposed the establishment of WAICO last year as part of its initiative to promote international cooperation on AI governance. In an earlier statement, the FO said Dar would also participate in the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026, where he would engage with world leaders and policymakers to advance international AI cooperation and promote inclusive and equitable AI governance. During the visit, the deputy prime minister is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart, along with separate meetings with senior officials to discuss matters of mutual interest.
Meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister On the sidelines of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, Dar held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-China relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, the FO said. According to the Foreign Office, the two sides underscored the importance of advancing high-quality development under CPEC 2.0 while expanding cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, the digital economy and artificial intelligence. The ministers also exchanged views on the latest regional and global developments and reaffirmed their resolve to maintain close coordination on issues of mutual interest. The FO said the meeting further reinforced Pakistan-China strategic cooperation and reflected the two countries' shared commitment to innovation-driven development and emerging technologies. Dar arrives in Shanghai Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Shanghai on a two-day visit to formally join WAICO as a founding member, according to the Foreign Office. Upon his arrival, Dar was received by Shanghai Vice Mayor Wu Wei, Pakistan's Charge d'Affaires to China Aizaz Khan, and Pakistan's Consul General in Shanghai Shahzad Ahmad Khan, the FO said in another post on X.
uS pounds iran with fresh strikes as tehran retaliates, accusing Washington of 'war crimes' TEHRAN/WASHINGTON
STAFF REPORT/AGENCIES
The US on Thursday launched a second wave of strikes on Iran's coastal defence systems and missile sites within 24 hours of reimposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports, prompting Tehran to retaliate by targeting US military facilities in neighbouring Gulf countries as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of committing "war crimes" through attacks on the country's "vital infrastructure." The latest escalation comes days after the collapse of a fragile ceasefire, raising fears of a return to full-scale conflict. Iran has also renewed its threat to further disrupt regional energy exports after blocking the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi accuses US of war crimes Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas
Araghchi, in a statement posted on Telegram, said the US attacks constituted "undoubtedly a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and the fundamental principles of international law." He said the strikes amounted to "serious international crimes" under international criminal law, including the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, adding that "all governments are obligated to prosecute and punish those who commit such crimes." Araghchi also accused US officials of using "absurd rhetoric and diabolical threats," saying the hostility was directed against the Iranian people "for insisting on their independence, legitimate rights, and human dignity." He warned that those responsible "cannot evade legal responsibility ... by claiming to be acting on the orders of their superiors." Hostilities have intensified since Iran an-
nounced late on Saturday that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz. Ongoing military operations have also prevented commercial shipping from transiting the vital waterway, which carried around one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments before the US-Israeli war on Iran. Reflecting growing market concerns, Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, closed at a one-month high of $84.95 per barrel on Wednesday. Fresh US strikes The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces launched strikes on Iran's coastal defence systems and cruise missile storage and launch facilities on Greater Tunb Island beginning at around 6am EDT, followed by a second wave of attacks approximately nine hours later against targets in multiple Iranian cities.
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