The European Union expressed concern over the sentence handed down by a military court in Pakistan to 25 civilians on December 21, describing the sentences as inconsistent with Pakistan’s obligations under international human rights conventions.
In a statement, an EU spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan, as one of the beneficiary countries of the EU’s Generalized Additional Preferences Scheme (GSP+), has voluntarily committed itself to implementing 27 core international conventions, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
“The European Union notes with concern the sentencing of twenty-five civilians by a military court. These sentences are considered inconsistent with the obligations undertaken by Pakistan under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” the statement said.
The European Union noted that Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantees every individual the right to a fair and public trial before an independent, impartial and competent court, along with appropriate and effective legal representation. The Covenant also stipulates that any ruling in a criminal case must be public.
Potential repercussions of losing GSP+ status
GSP+ has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s trade relationship with the EU since 2014. It provides duty-free or preferential access to Pakistani exports, especially textiles, which dominate the trade flow to the EU.
In 2022 alone, Pakistan exported goods worth approximately $9.5 billion to EU markets, with textiles accounting for more than 75% of these exports. On average, the EU accounts for nearly 25% of Pakistan’s total exports, making it the country’s largest trading partner. A loss of GSP+ would result in an estimated annual loss of $1.5 to $2 billion in export earnings.
If Pakistan loses its GSP+ status, it will face tariffs of between 6% and 12% on goods entering the EU, which would significantly increase costs for buyers and reduce the competitiveness of Pakistani products. This could lead to lower orders from European buyers, which could lead to job losses and lower revenues in industries such as textiles, clothing, leather and agriculture. Especially the textile sector, which employs more than 40% of Pakistan’s industrial workforce.
The European Union has repeatedly emphasized that adherence to international agreements forms the basis of the Generalized System of Preferences. Pakistan has previously faced scrutiny over human rights and governance issues, but failure to address recent EU concerns could exacerbate the risk of suspension. This situation may also have negative effects on Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and foreign direct investment in the long term.
Military court rulings
The military court ruling that led to the EU response includes 25 civilians convicted for their alleged involvement in attacks on military installations and other disturbances after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in May 2023.
These incidents included high-profile attacks, such as storming the home of the Lahore Corps Commander and damaging other major military property.
The trials, which were conducted behind closed doors, sparked criticism from human rights groups for lacking transparency and due process. The use of military courts in civil cases is a controversial issue in Pakistan, where critics say it undermines the role of the civilian judiciary and violates international legal standards.
GSP+: Conditional business partnership
The EU’s GSP+ framework links trade benefits with progress on human rights, labor rights, environmental protection and governance. Pakistan’s compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees due process and fair trials, is integral to its continued participation in the scheme.
While the Pakistani government has often expressed its commitment to retaining GSP status, the EU’s concerns over the military court rulings add to a growing list of challenges that could jeopardize this critical trading arrangement.