Within Pakistan, the Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) has been articulating the aspirations of the Baloch civil society and has grown from strength to strength in the past couple of years. In the global arena, however, it is the Baloch National Movement (BNM) which has been highlighting highhandedness and atrocities of the Pakistani security forces. It is involved in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the ongoing crackdown in Balochistan.
After the recent arrest of Dr Mahrang Baloch, an iconic human rights campaigner of the BYC, the BNM has intensified its international campaign. Its efforts have helped bring sharper focus globally on what all is happening in Balochistan, and support from some international leaders. As part of these ongoing efforts, the BNM has reached out to ministers and members of parliament in Ireland and the European Parliament. The activists highlighted the illegal detention of BYC leaders, attacks on peaceful protesters, and incidents of police firing that have resulted in injuries and deaths.
(It bears mention here that Pakistan’s human rights record is already under scrutiny for the past many months. This happened after trial of civilians in military courts for their involvement in May 9, 2024, riots witnessed in many parts of Pakistan. Those arrested and being tried in the military courts were supporters of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s supporters from Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf Party.)
The campaign is also focussing on the fact that Pakistan benefits greatly under European Union’s incentive scheme named GSP+. Incidentally, the GSP+ status leads to special concessions being given on tariffs for the products produced in these nations. However, it is not meant to be a free unencumbered ride as these incentives are linked to sustainable development and good governance.
The BNM activists are bringing it to the knowledge of EU MPs as also ministers of some nations that human rights are a core area for the grant of GSP+ status. They have been pointing out through their campaigns that human rights are facing serious onslaught in Balochistan.
As such, the BNM activists have been urging the EU members to withdraw GSP+ status conferred on Pakistan over a decade ago. This had led to a situation where the GSP+ scheme incentives granted to Pakistan are at risk. This is mainly due to its failure to uphold international human rights standards, a concern echoed by various global institutions, according to The Balochistan Post (TBP).
BNM at Geneva
During the current 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) at Geneva in Switzerland, the BNM, made representations under the leadership of Chairman Dr. Naseem Baloch. The BNM delegation took part in various UN programs and organised the Sixth Balochistan International Conference highlighting the atrocities being committed by Pakistani forces in Balochistan. The BNM representatives in Geneva also engaged in multiple diplomatic and advocacy initiatives concerning Balochistan.
During their presentations and advocacy efforts, the BNM representatives met journalists, political leaders and human rights activists from many nations.
Irish Government Concerns
Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, engaged with and acknowledged the BNM’s concerns regarding the deteriorating situation in Balochistan. His office confirmed that the Irish Embassy in Islamabad is aware of the arrests of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other civil society activists. He also said that Ireland is closely monitoring the developing situation and remains in communication with the European Union (EU) and other international partners to discuss the issue.
The Irish government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting human rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful protest, and political participation. It also emphasized that human rights are a key topic in EU-Pakistan discussions, referencing concerns raised in the 14th EU-Pakistan Joint Commission meeting in 2024. Additionally, Ireland reiterated that Pakistan’s trade benefits under the GSP+ scheme depend on its compliance with international human rights standards and assured continued monitoring of the situation in Balochistan.
Alarm Among EU Lawmakers
The BNM also received a response from Barry Andrews, a member of the European Parliament, who expressed deep concern over the situation in Balochistan and the illegal detention of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and others. Andrews cited his social media posts condemning these arrests and calling for their immediate release. He also recalled his meeting with Sammi Deen Baloch at last year’s Front Line Defenders Award ceremony in Ireland and pledged to continue putting pressure on Pakistani authorities to respect human rights. He also expressed serious concern over the situation in Balochistan which is drawing global attention now.
Similarly, the office of European Parliament member Cynthia Ní Mhurchú condemned the unlawful detentions and human rights abuses in Balochistan. Ní Mhurchú reiterated her commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, promising to discuss the issue with her colleagues.
Irish Member of Parliament Richard Boyd Barrett also condemned Pakistan’s repression of the Baloch people. His office confirmed that he would urge the Irish government to adopt a firm stance demanding the release of Dr. Mahrang Baloch. Additionally, a parliamentary question on the issue has been submitted to Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, with further updates expected once a response is received.
BNM’s Continued Advocacy
The BNM’s Foreign Affairs Department has reaffirmed its commitment to raising awareness about the human rights crisis in Balochistan through international outreach. The organisation has contacted members of the European and US parliaments, human rights organisations, the United Nations, and media outlets to call for urgent action against these severe violations. It has urged for immediate intervention so that Pakistan at once halts the human rights violations.
BNM has announced that it will soon provide updates on responses from the United Nations Human Rights Commission, European Parliament members from other countries, British, German, and Dutch MPs, as well as US senators regarding the situation in Balochistan.
GSP+ Status of Pakistan
The European Union’s (EU) Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) is a scheme of incentives meant for eight developing (considered poor) countries. The GSP+ status leads to special concessions being given on tariffs for the products produced in these nations.
The GSP+ countries are expected to implement 27 international conventions on major issues pertaining to 1. Human Rights 2. Labour Laws 3. Environment and 4. Good governance. In return for implementing these conventions at home, the EU cuts its import duties to zero on more than two-thirds of the tariff lines of their exports. This helps the GSP+ nations to export goods to the vast EU market and helps their economy.
Pakistan is among the GSP+ nations along with Bolivia, Cape Verde, Kyrgystan, Mongolia, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan. Pakistan got GSP+ status on January 1, 2014, after the country had ratified 27 international conventions and committed to implement them.
The GSP+ status is pivotal for EU-Pakistan bilateral trade ties as between 2014 and 2022, Pakistan’s exports to the EU increased by 108 per cent. Pakistan’s textiles, leather, sports and surgical goods could enter the EU market only after availing the GSP+ concessions. Before that, the tariff structure was such that none of these products could compete and sustain themselves in the EU countries.
The current GSP+ scheme is valid till 2027 and coming under scrutiny at this juncture a lead to withdrawal of this status for Pakistan. The scheme was legislated by the EU in 2012 and had come into force on January 1, 2014, only.
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