Growing evidence of widespread human rights violations in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, has intensified calls for the European Union to reconsider Islamabad&rsquo;s preferential trade status under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).
Rights groups and international observers have expressed concern over what they describe as Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;highly problematic&rdquo; record, marked by enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, torture, and severe curbs on freedom of expression.
According to recent reports, such actions contradict Pakistan&rsquo;s commitments under international conventions, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention Against Torture, both integral to the GSP+ framework.
The situation in Balochistan has been described as a &ldquo;human rights black hole,&rdquo; where state forces allegedly continue to suppress peaceful dissent. 
Activists such as Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent campaigner against enforced disappearances, have reportedly faced repeated harassment and intimidation for organising peaceful demonstrations.
Rights organisations have documented patterns of abductions, extrajudicial killings, and collective punishment targeting the families of missing persons. 
In recent weeks, the Zehri district has reportedly witnessed a major escalation, with credible accounts alleging a military siege involving tanks, helicopters, and armed drones. 
Entire villages were said to be destroyed, leaving civilians trapped without medical assistance or humanitarian relief, acts that observers have described as &ldquo;collective punishment&rdquo; and violations of international law.
Beyond Balochistan, religious minorities including Christians, Hindus, Ahmadis, and Sikhs continue to face systemic discrimination and persecution. 
Pakistan&rsquo;s blasphemy laws, frequently criticised for misuse, have led to incidents of mob violence, wrongful arrests, and deaths, often without government intervention or reform.
Human rights advocates have urged the European Union to conduct an independent review of Pakistan&rsquo;s compliance with its GSP+ commitments, engage with diaspora-led civil society organisations, and press Islamabad to end enforced disappearances and release peaceful protesters.
Critics argue that continuing to extend trade benefits despite ongoing violations &ldquo;sends a dangerous message that economic interests outweigh human rights.&rdquo; 
They emphasise that the EU must ensure its trade policies uphold its core values of accountability, rule of law, and justice for the people of Balochistan and Pakistan&rsquo;s persecuted minorities.

EU urged to review Pakistan’s trade privileges

Rights groups demand EU act over Pakistan’s abuses in Balochistan and against minorities

EU Urged To Review Pakistan’s GSP+ Status

Rights groups demand EU act over Pakistan’s abuses in Balochistan and against minorities

November 9, 2025 | 15:28 IST