On September 22, 2021, Pakistan retained its Generalised Scheme of Preference-Plus (GSP+) status for accessing the European Union’s (EU) market. The decision was announced by the European Commission (EC).[1]
The country’s GSP+ status was put under review after strong demand of the European Parliament (EP) which passed two resolutions[2] with an overwhelming majority in this regard earlier this year. These resolutions were adopted in view of an alarming increase in the use of blasphemy accusations in the country, misuse of blasphemy laws and the increasing threats/attacks on journalists and civil society organisations in Pakistan.[3]
However, according to media reports, the EC found no grounds to exclude Pakistan from the GSP arrangement and its GSP+ status was extended till 2024 with the addition of 6 (six) new conventions.
