Pakistan, EU show concern on HR situation in IIOJK

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, at the 14th Pakistan-European Union (EU) Joint Commission meeting in Islamabad, underlined its deep concern on the human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and also called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the occupied Arab territories.

Both Pakistan and the EU also stressed the need to find peaceful solutions to all conflicts, in full respect of the principles of international law and the UN Charter.

According to the joint press release issued by the Foreign Office, the EU reiterated its call for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza; the unconditional release of all hostages; and the urgent and unimpeded humanitarian access and distribution at scale of humanitarian assistance; as well as an enduring end to hostilities in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2735. The EU further restated its position concerning Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine (at a time when Pakistan has chosen to remain neutral and not take sides in the Ukraine war).

The joint press release noted that discussions between the two sides took stock of recent political developments, including electoral processes in both Pakistan (parliamentary elections of February 8) and the EU (elections to the European Parliament of June 6-9 and the ongoing formation of the new College of Commissioners).

“Pakistan and the EU recognised the importance of their cooperation and sustained engagement, particularly in areas such as trade, migration, human rights, political, economic and development cooperation with a focus on the Global Gateway strategy. The sides agreed to continue cooperation on emerging challenges of food, energy security, and climate change,” added the joint statement. The Joint Commission was preceded by the Pakistan-EU Sub-Group meeting on Democracy, Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights.

While reviewing the post-elections political developments in Pakistan and the EU, both sides agreed on the need for continued efforts to strengthen the electoral process.

“The EU reiterated the importance of political pluralism, democratic values, independent media, vibrant civil society, judicial independence, and international human rights standards, which are key for democratic elections,” noted the joint press release.

Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to the protection of all human rights, including women and children’s rights, labour and migrant rights, as well as fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression and opinion, including growing problem of disinformation.

Views were also exchanged on freedom of religion or belief and the rights of persons belonging to minorities and vulnerable groups and concerns about anti-Muslim hatred. Both sides reiterated the importance of continued dialogue on these shared concerns.

The EU, as in the past, also reiterated its position on the abolishment of death penalty and emphasised the need to pursue the reform process of the mercy petition.

At the meeting of the Pakistan-EU Sub-group on Trade it was pointed out that the EU is Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner, with the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) arrangement contributing significantly to the growth of bilateral trade.

“The EU remains committed to providing information on its upcoming legislative developments to facilitate Pakistan’s compliance with EU’s regulatory framework. Pakistan and the EU reiterated the importance of continued collaboration to promote sustainable growth and trade development,” said the joint press release.