GSP-Plus renewal linked to labour policy, reforms

European legislator says Pakistan’s role in war on terror is impressive

LAHORE: European Parliament (EP) Vice President Dr Fabio Massimo Castaldo has said more interaction and dialogue between EP and Pakistan for evaluation of poverty alleviation, jobs opportunities, labour laws and rights to the masses would play a key role in the renewal of GSP-Plus status for the country.

He expressed these views during a meeting with Governor Punjab Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar on Sunday. Talking to the media persons before his departure, Dr Castaldo said the Pakistan Army and the people have rendered unprecedented sacrifices in the war against terrorism and the world at large should highly value it.

“I assure him (governor) of my full support to Pakistan on the extension of the GSP-Plus status and I hope the extension would be granted which would strengthen Pakistan economically and create new employment opportunities,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Sarwar said the vice president of the European Union has announced he would plead the Kashmiris’ case in the European Parliament which would be a victory of the Kashmiris’ stance. Dr Castaldo said people of Pakistan should be proud of their forces for defeating terrorism in the country to a great extent.

“I on behalf of the European Union (EU) send condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in the war against terror”, he added.

To a question, the youngest EP member urged the need of awareness through education to save the youth from sectarian propaganda. Recognizing Pakistan’s financial challenges in the aftermath of housing five million refugees who fled their war-torn country, he said the GSP-Plus status offered Pakistan to overcome financial challenges and poverty.

He reiterated his support to negotiate more trade ties and forge consensus on proposals among different political families of the EU, adding that Pakistan must improve its security situation, secure the borders and implement more effective counter-terrorism measures. To a question, he hailed Pakistan’s initiatives like Kartarpur Corridor for Sikh minority, adding that such acts were completely coherent with the values promoted by the civilised world. He said the religious sites help bridge the differences and bring communities and countries closer while these let everyone felt integrated and accepted into the societies.

“I endorse the initiative to build Hindu temples, Sikh Gurdwaras as I understand the importance of protecting the rights of the minorities and India should follow suit,” Dr Castaldo said.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30^th, 2019.