Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a briefing to review progress on implementation status of GSP Plus related conventions in Islamabad on Tuesday.
Secretary Treaty Implementation Cell Mr Javed Akber Bhatti briefed the meeting about the existing trade engagement between Pakistan and EU and impact of the GSP Plus status to promote shared objectives of sustainable socio-economic development and good governance.
PM was also apprised about the progress on implementation status of various UN conventions related to human rights, child and women rights and others.
The board expressed satisfaction on the EU’s acknowledgement of some of the flagship initiatives of the government, including Billion Tree Tsunami project, Ehsaas Programme, opening of Kartarpur Corridor, practical steps towards socio-economic development of erstwhile FATA region, implementation of National Action Plan on Human Rights, combating violence, launch of National Child Labour Survey, implementation of Child Labour Laws, adoption of laws for protection of women, children and transgender, and improvement of country’s ranking in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index.
PM was also briefed about the preparation for next biennial review of GSP Plus. In his remarks, PM appreciated the EU’s decision for continuation of GSP Plus status to Pakistan which has contributed in enhancement of national exports and further strengthening Pakistan’s ties with the EU-member states.
The premier said that the present government is following zero tolerance policy towards child abuse and child labour. Recounting various administrative and legislative steps taken to protect rights of women, children and transgender, the PM reiterated commitment of the government to undertake every possible effort to safeguard and protect vulnerable segments of society.
He also directed advisor for climate change to expedite formulation of national policy related to waste management in consultation with provincial governments.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari, Advisor Commerce Abdul Razzaq Dawood, Advisor on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam, Attorney General Khalid Jawed Khan, SAPM for Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bokhari and other senior officials.
