EU mission sees progress in Sindh's institutional reforms

KARACHI:

European Union Monitoring Mission on Tuesday appreciated Sindh's progress in strengthening rights-based governance and institutional reforms.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah welcomed the EU Monitoring Mission in Karachi for the 5th Biennial Review of the GSP+ scheme, reaffirming the provincial government's commitment to human rights, labour reforms, governance standards and climate action.

The seven-member delegation, led by Sergio Baliberia of the EU's Directorate General for Trade, met senior provincial officials, including ministers Saeed Ghani and Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon and others. Federal Commerce Secretary Jod Paul also attended.

The delegation discussed human rights, minority protections, labour inspections, workplace safety, climate change and child rights. Baliberia said the EU appreciated Sindh's progress in strengthening rights-based governance and institutional reforms. Murad Shah described the EU as a "long-standing partner" and said the GSP+ scheme was crucial for Pakistan's exports, sustainable development and social protections. He said Sindh was fully aligned with federal authorities during the ongoing review and highlighted the role of the Treaty Implementation Cell in ensuring compliance with all 27 international conventions linked to GSP+.

He urged the EU not to impose "overly stringent conditions" in the next GSP+ framework and said Pakistan welcomed capacity-building support.

Officials briefed the EU team on progress in labour rights, women's empowerment and minority protection.