Latest news with #GSP+
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Senate clears Criminal Laws (Amend) Bill: Push to end death penalty for specific crimes
ISLAMABAD: The Upper House of the Parliament, Friday, passed the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a legislative draft that seeks to abolish death penalty for anyone found guilty of the crimes like 'assault or criminal force to women, and stripping her of her clothes,' and 'harbouring hijacker.' The bill mainly replaces death penalty with life imprisonment in the cases involving aforementioned offences. Interior State Minister Talal Chaudhry presented the bill in the Senate session, following its passage by the relevant standing committee earlier, presided over by Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan. The senators including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Parliamentary Leader in Senate Ali Zafar and Samina Mumtaz Zehri from Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) opposed the bill— that was still passed by the House. 'In my opinion, this is a very serious offence—that warrants death penalty,' Zafar said, adding that the law endorsing death penalty in above-mentioned cases was passed by the Senate and the National Assembly after thorough consideration. Zehri, who is also the Chairperson of Senate's Functional Committee on Human Rights, supported death penalty in cases involving serious assault on women, saying, more stringent laws be introduced and implemented in this regard. 'From where did this thought come to our minds that severity of a punishment can stop a crime?' the law minister responded. 'This myth is wrong,' the minister argued. 'There is no death penalty in the entire Europe. The crime rate is only two percent. Jails are empty there. They are converting their jails to museums—on the other hand, we have death penalty for 80, 90 or 100 crimes—but crime rate here touches the sky,' he added. 'Unfortunately, the Senate and the National Assembly did not pass this law. It came from a martial law administrator,' he said, referring to Zia-ul-Haq. According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in an effort to comply with the requirements of GSP+, and Pakistan's international commitments under ICCPR (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights), three meetings with all stakeholders were held—to review reduction of the death penalty in order to bring it in line with international law and Islamic jurisprudence. The Statement adds that the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control proposed the draft Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposing omission of death penalty from Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 with an alternative punishment of life imprisonment in the relevant sections. Meanwhile, the House also passed the Extradition (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Also, the National Agri-trade and Food Safety Authority Ordinance 2025 was laid in the House. The Senate session was adjourned till Monday. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
EU, Pakistan reaffirm commitment to implement ‘Strategic Engagement Plan'
ISLAMABAD: The European Union (EU) and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) signed in 2019. Both sides aim at further deepening cooperation in all areas covered under the SEP. The two sides also reiterated their resolve to continue close engagement under the GSP+ framework. Pakistan signs €20mn grant deal with EU to boost governance, business environment They acknowledged the meaningful cooperation on various aspects of migration, aiming at holding the third Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Dialogue later in 2025. The 10th Political Dialogue between the EU and Pakistan took place on 17 July in Brussels. The dialogue covered key issues of the EU-Pakistan bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues, including multilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to deepen dialogue and discussions on security-related issues. Besides bilateral cooperation, both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues. The EU and Pakistan acknowledged the importance of multifaceted cooperation on security matters, including counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. They condemned all forms of terrorism. Both sides agreed on the need for efforts based on dialogue and diplomacy in order to solve contentious issues and underscored the importance of upholding international law and the sanctity of international agreements/treaties. The parties exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine as well as Jammu and Kashmir. Both sides stressed the need to find peaceful solutions to conflicts, in full respect of the principles of international law and the UN Charter. They agreed on the urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Both sides called for the resumption of a ceasefire, and expressed support for initiatives that contribute to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in Palestine in accordance with the two-state solution. The two sides reaffirmed their aspiration to convene the 7th Strategic Dialogue in 2025, underscoring its importance in strengthening Pakistan-EU cooperation. They agreed to hold the next Political Dialogue meeting in 2026 in Islamabad. The EU delegation was headed by Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service and the Pakistani delegation by Amna Baloch, foreign secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, EU to deepen ties
The European Union (EU) and Pakistan on Thursday held the 10th Political Dialogue in Brussels covering key issues regarding EU-Pakistan bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues, including multilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to deepen dialogue and discussions on security-related issues. The EU and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) signed in 2019. Both sides aim to further deepen cooperation in all areas covered under the SEP. The two sides reiterated their resolve to continue close engagement under the GSP+ framework, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs news release said. They acknowledged the meaningful cooperation on various aspects of migration, aiming to hold the third Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Dialogue later in 2025. Besides bilateral cooperation, both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues. The EU and Pakistan acknowledged the importance of multifaceted cooperation on security matters, including counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. They condemned all forms of terrorism. Both sides agreed on the need for efforts based on dialogue and diplomacy in order to solve contentious issues and underscored the importance of upholding international law and the sanctity of international agreements/treaties.
The Diplomat
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Diplomat
Sri Lanka's Tariff Shock
Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote to his Sri Lankan counterpart, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, informing him that the United States will impose a 30 percent tariff on all Sri Lankan exports from August 1. While some argue that this rate is better than what some regional competitors like Laos and Cambodia face, it is clear that Sri Lanka's dependence on a handful of export markets and an even narrower band of products has left it vulnerable to sudden policy shifts by its main trade partners. It is also a warning of more pain ahead if the country doesn't fundamentally change course. Since 1977, Sri Lanka has followed the model prescribed by international lenders and consultants, i.e., open markets, free trade, and export-led growth. Sri Lanka has reduced tariffs, liberalized its economy, and chosen foreign direct investment, tourism, and the apparel sector as engines of its growth. This formula has delivered sporadic growth, but it has also created significantg vulnerabilities. According to Sri Lanka's Export Development Board, in 2024, Sri Lanka's total merchandise exports amounted to $12.7 billion. Almost 40 percent of the export income came from apparel, 11 percent from tea, and 7.3 percent from rubber-based products. In 2024, about 25 percent of all manufactured exports went to the U.S., with textiles and apparel accounting for about 40 percent of that total. The European Union (about 24 percent) is the other dominant customer, because of the preferential access under the GSP+ scheme. For many years, academics and researchers have warned that Sri Lanka's narrow base was its main vulnerability. Sri Lanka produces mostly low-value-added goods, apparel, tea, rubber, and seafood for Western buyers, who add value to these products under their own labels. Sri Lanka does not have internationally recognized brands (or even brands recognized in South Asia, perhaps with the exception of Dilmah tea), which prevents any brand loyalty or the ability to charge a premium. It has not invested in higher-value manufacturing, and productivity of most sectors is low. For example, Sri Lankan apparel, the country's main merchandise export, is not competitive without tariff exemptions from the U.S. and the EU. Thus, when the U.S. or EU makes a policy change, the impact is immediate, sweeping, and difficult to escape. The U.S. says it is imposing tariffs on other countries as a response to 'unsustainable trade deficit and a lack of reciprocity.' The apparel sector will bear the brunt of this decision. Industry bodies like the Free Trade Zone Manufacturers' Association warn that up to 50,000 jobs could be lost as the competitive gap with India or Vietnam, two of its fiercest regional rivals in apparel manufacturing, would widen due to the tariffs. This is not the first time that Sri Lanka's foreign trade vulnerability has been exposed. The EU's GSP+ has always come with strings attached, linking market access to a wide range of non-trade issues, from human rights to environmental standards. The EU revoked GSP+ concessions in 2010 over human rights concerns and only reinstated access in 2017. In the past few years, the EU has passed several resolutions condemning the 'deterioration' of Sri Lanka's human rights situation, and the country has to be on pins and needles each time the concession is under review. Unfortunately, successive Sri Lankan governments have done very little to find new markets or promote new products. Sri Lanka's exports to China, ASEAN, and Africa remain low. The National People's Power government has vowed to change these patterns. While the task is not easy, recent developments have shown it is urgent. Sri Lanka must break the cycle of dependency by investing in domestic brands, supporting value addition, and diversifying both its products and export destinations. This means moving up the value chain in manufacturing, supporting entrepreneurs, and protecting key sectors from the worst excesses of global competition while they scale and innovate. It also means developing a trade and industrial policy that serves Sri Lanka's long-term interests, rather than aping models from abroad. A stronger, more resilient economy will require difficult choices, from education and research investment, and a realistic assessment of the country's exposure to foreign shocks. Without a fundamental shift towards diversification, value addition, and strategic independence, the next blow, whether from Washington or Brussels, could be even harder to withstand.
Express Tribune
11-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
EU, Pakistan sign €20m grant to support SMEs
Listen to article The government of Pakistan and the European Union (EU) signed a €20 million grant agreement on Thursday for launching the "Better Governance and Business Environment" initiative, reaffirming their shared commitment to sustainable and inclusive economic development. The agreement was signed by EU Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Riina Kionka and Economic Affairs Division Secretary Dr Kazim Niaz. Funded under the EU's Multi-annual Indicative Programme 2021-2027, the initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of Pakistan's private sector, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including those led by or benefiting women. The programme will strengthen SME-related legislation, support the green transition of export-oriented firms, facilitate targeted green investments and promote public-private dialogue. It aligns with the EU's Global Gateway strategy, GSP+ commitments and the EU Green Deal, promoting smart, sustainable investment and resilient value chains. Speaking on the occasion, Kazim Niaz expressed appreciation for the EU's continued support and partnership. He emphasised the timely nature of the intervention, highlighting its strong alignment with Uraan Pakistan's goals for private sector development and institutional reforms to attract responsible investment. Ambassador Riina Kionka stated, "This agreement underscores the EU's commitment to supporting Pakistan in building a resilient, inclusive and competitive economy. We are investing in green innovation, women-led businesses and public-private partnerships to ensure a more sustainable future for all Pakistanis."
