EU Envoy, Law Minister Discuss Human Rights Reforms, GSP+ Commitments

The Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Raimundas Karoblis, met Federal Minister for Law & Justice and Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, to review ongoing cooperation on human rights reforms and their effective implementation.

During the meeting, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar appreciated the European Union’s continued support and engagement in advancing Pakistan’s human rights agenda. He highlighted the close collaboration between the Ministry of Human Rights and the EU Delegation under the programme “Promotion of Human Rights in Pakistan – Phase II / EU Huqooq-e-Pakistan II,” which focuses on strengthening government human rights mechanisms, national institutions, human rights education, business and human rights, and policy implementation.

The Minister briefed the Ambassador on Pakistan’s engagement with the EU following discussions held during the GSP+ Monitoring Mission in November 2025, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations under the GSP+ framework.

He also shared details of the National Action Plan on Human Rights (NAP-HR), which is being implemented with an emphasis on legal and policy reforms, access to justice, fulfilment of international treaty obligations, strengthening of national institutions, and effective monitoring and coordination at both federal and provincial levels.

Highlighting legislative progress, Senator Tarar referred to the enactment of the National Commission on Protection of Minorities Act, 2025, and steps underway to make the Commission fully operational, reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding minority rights through independent and empowered institutions.

The EU Ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s recent legal reforms, including amendments to the Pakistan Penal Code aimed at reducing the scope of the death penalty, the establishment of the National Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals, and efforts to ensure the independence of human rights bodies.

The Minister also informed the Ambassador about the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2025, which sets 18 years as the minimum legal age for marriage, and shared updates on provincial child labour surveys being conducted to support evidence-based policymaking.