Pakistan has voiced strong displeasure with a European Union assessment that found the country backsliding on commitments tied to its preferential trade status, arguing the review downplays years of legislative work. The response came during a weekly Foreign Office briefing, where spokesperson Tahir Andrabi acknowledged some progress but insisted the report fails to capture the full scope of reforms since 2014. Main Developments Andrabi expressed disappointment with the European Commission’s global GSP assessment covering 2023–2025, which said Pakistan had “regressed in a number of areas while positive change was limited.” The spokesperson argued the report “understates the breadth of reforms undertaken since Pakistan joined GSP+ in 2014” and places “disproportionate emphasis on the lower-than-desired progress in a few areas.” Despite the criticism, Andrabi reaffirmed that GSP+ remains “central to Pakistan’s economic relationship with the EU, supporting exports, employment, women’s economic participation, poverty reduction and broader economic development.” He described the arrangement as “mutually beneficial” and pledged continued constructive engagement with the European Commission and other EU institutions. Read also: Doctor murder suspects killed in police raid, SIU claims The spokesperson also addressed a separate controversy, completely rejecting an Amnesty International report from July 21 that alleged Pakistani airstrikes targeted a rehabilitation facility in Kabul on March 16, causing numerous civilian casualties. Andrabi called it “unfortunate that such serious allegations have been presented without any credible evidence.” He maintained that any military strikes were “undertaken in exercise of its right to self-defence under principles of necessity and as a measure of last resort and directed only and exclusively against terrorists and their logistical support bases in Afghanistan.” Both the government and military had previously stated the strikes hit an ammunition and drone storage site. Background Pakistan has held GSP+ status since 2014, granting duty-free access to EU markets in exchange for compliance with 27 international conventions covering human rights, labour standards, environmental protection, and good governance. The European Commission’s periodic reviews assess whether beneficiary countries continue meeting those commitments. Relations with Afghanistan’s Taliban administration have deteriorated as Islamabad accuses Kabul of harbouring militant groups, including the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, but officials say those appeals have gone unheeded. The Amnesty International report added to tensions, with Islamabad asserting that its March 16 airstrikes were a proportionate response to escalating cross-border attacks. Andrabi urged the international community to hold the Taliban accountable for its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions and the Doha agreement. Why It Matters GSP+ is economically vital for Pakistan, underpinning billions of dollars in exports to the EU and supporting industries that employ millions, particularly women. A downgrade or suspension of the trade preferences could severely impact the country’s economy, already grappling with inflation and external debt pressures. The dispute with Amnesty International and the Taliban regime highlights Pakistan’s security dilemma: facing persistent militant violence while struggling to gain international backing for its cross-border counterterrorism operations. The FO’s rejection of the Amnesty report signals Islamabad’s determination to control the narrative around its military actions. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Kyrgyzstan underscores Pakistan’s efforts to maintain diplomatic engagement with Eurasian powers, including rivals like India and Russia, amid these tensions. What's Next Pakistan plans to remain “constructively engaged” with the European Commission to address the concerns raised in the GSP+ assessment. The FO indicated it will continue implementing international conventions underpinning the trade framework, though no specific timeline for reforms was provided. On the security front, Islamabad shows no sign of altering its stance toward the Taliban regime, reiterating its right to self-defence. The international community’s response to Pakistan’s calls for accountability of the Taliban remains uncertain, with no indications of renewed UN pressure. Dar’s visit to Kyrgyzstan includes expected bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SCO CFM, where issues of international relations, foreign policy, and security cooperation will be discussed. The outcomes could shape Pakistan’s diplomatic posture in the coming months.