Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday welcomed the European Union (EU) Monitoring Mission visiting Karachi as part of the 5th Biennial Review of the GSP+ scheme, reaffirming the Sindh government’s strong commitment to human rights, labour rights, governance, environmental protection and social development. The seven-member EU delegation was led by Mr. Sirgio Baliberia, Advisor to the GSP+ Directorate in the Directorate General Trade. Federal Secretary of Commerce Jod Paul also attended the meeting.

From the Sindh side, provincial ministers Saeed Ghani and Syed Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, Secretary to CM Abdul Raheem Shaikh, Law Secretary Ahmed Ali Baloch, Human Rights Secretary Khalid Chachar and other senior officials were present. The meeting featured extensive discussions on human rights, minority rights including transgender protections labour inspections, workplace safety, child rights, climate change and energy transition. 

The EU delegation appreciated Sindh’s efforts, particularly in the domains of human rights protections, minority welfare, social safeguards, and institutional reforms. “The human rights and minority protection measures taken by the Sindh government are encouraging,” Mr. Sirgio Baliberia remarked. Welcoming the delegation, the Chief Minister described the EU as a long-standing partner in promoting rights-based governance. “Our partnership with the European Union is extremely important.

The GSP+ arrangement is vital for Pakistan’s exports, sustainable development and institutional reforms,” Shah said. Murad Shah noted that Pakistan is currently undergoing the 5th Biennial Review of GSP+, and Sindh is fully coordinating with the Ministry of Commerce and federal institutions. “The detailed responses submitted to the European Commission reflect a joint effort of federal and provincial governments,” he added. 

The Chief Minister highlighted the active role of the Sindh Treaty Implementation Cell (TIC) in ensuring compliance with all 27 international conventions tied to the GSP+ scheme. He welcomed the EU Mission’s decision to visit the provincial TIC office during their Karachi trip, terming it “a positive opportunity for direct engagement and assessment.” 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)