Pakistan says not taking EU’s GSP+ status ‘for granted’ amid multiple human rights concerns 

Pakistan says not taking EU’s GSP+ status ‘for granted’ amid multiple human rights concerns 
Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shakes hands with EU Special Representative for Human Rights Ambassador Olaf Skoog in Islamabad on January 28, 2025. (Photo courtesy: MOFA)
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Updated 30 January 2025
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Pakistan says not taking EU’s GSP+ status ‘for granted’ amid multiple human rights concerns 

Pakistan says not taking EU’s GSP+ status ‘for granted’ amid multiple human rights concerns 
  • The statement comes amid EU envoy’s visit to Pakistan, following bloc’s criticism of sentencing of civilians by Pakistani military courts
  • GSP+ status in the spotlight again this week as parliament passed controversial cybercrime law to regulate social media platforms 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office said on Thursday Islamabad was not taking “for granted” the GSP+ status awarded by the European Union, saying there was a “robust” mechanism in place for the EU to supervise and coordinate implementation of Pakistan’s obligations under the special trade incentives arrangement. 
The statement by Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan came after a report published by Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper said EU Special Rep­resentative for Human Rights, Olof Skoog, who is on a visit to Pakistan, had warned Pakistan “not to take its GSP+ status for granted.”
The GSP+ scheme grants beneficiary countries’ exports duty-free access to the European market in exchange for voluntarily agreeing to implement 27 international core conventions, including on human and civil rights.
Multiple developments on the human rights front have raised concerns over Pakistan’s GSP+ status in recent weeks. The EU last month openly criticized Pakistan for sentencing over 80 civilians in army courts after charging them for anti-government riots in May 2023 in which military installations were attacked, saying it was “inconsistent” with Pakistan’s international obligations. 
This week, the country’s GSP+ status has once more been in the spotlight after parliament passed a controversial cybercrime law that journalists and digital rights activists have widely said aims to crackdown against dissent on social media platforms. 
“In interstate relations, no one takes any state or any party for granted … EU remains a very important partner for Pakistan … It’s a rich and very comprehensive partnership ... and GSP+ is one component of this very rich relationship,” the foreign office spokesperson said at a weekly press briefing in Islamabad when asked about Skoog’s comments. 
He said there was a “robust” implementation process to supervise and coordinate Pakistan’s, “follow-up or implementation of the range of treaties.”
“What we have put across [to the EU] is our perspective on whatever things are happening on our legislative front, for example, on PECA [Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act] or on the [military] trials … but this is an ongoing process. There is no one sitting in judgment on what’s happening in Pakistan. It’s a collaborative dialogue between two partners and friends.”
Talking to Dawn, Skoog said he had expressed the EU’s “apprehensions and concerns” about the use of military courts against civilians.
“I had that conversation and will continue having those conversations. Our view is that for civilians, there should be a civilian court system applicable… We have raised our concerns when there is an expansive use of military courts in response to demonstrations,” he said.
Skoog also spoke about this week’s passage of controversial amendments to the country’s cybercrime laws.
“This is happening while I am visiting the country… I have been discussing [this] with government officials. Our view is there should be very limited restrictions on freedom of expression,” the special envoy said. 
“You can’t restrict freedom of expression just to protect the politicians, authorities or the system from being criticized, and these are the conversations we are having with Pakistan right now about where to draw the limits.”
The next round of the GSP+ scheme hinges upon what Pakistan does in terms of complying with its various international obligations, Skoog said, adding that it “cannot be taken for granted that [GSP+] will be there for the next round.”
In October 2023, the EU unanimously voted to extend GSP+ status until 2027 for developing countries, including Pakistan.


Buttler chases ‘perfect game’ against Afghanistan in Champions Trophy

Buttler chases ‘perfect game’ against Afghanistan in Champions Trophy
Updated 25 February 2025
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Buttler chases ‘perfect game’ against Afghanistan in Champions Trophy

Buttler chases ‘perfect game’ against Afghanistan in Champions Trophy
  • The clash on Wednesday has become a virtual knockout after Tuesday’s match between Australia, South Africa was washed out
  • Jos Buttler hasn’t had the best of results as captain of the white-ball team since he led the team to a T20 World Cup title in 2022

LAHORE: England captain Jos Buttler on Tuesday said his team is confident despite their opening defeat in the Champions Trophy as they chase a “perfect game” against Afghanistan.
The clash in Lahore on Wednesday has become a virtual knockout after Tuesday’s Group B match between Australia and South Africa was washed out with the two teams sharing one point each.
England lost their opener to Ashes rivals Australia in the eight-nation tournament after they failed to defend their total of 351-8 at Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium.
South Africa hammered Afghanistan in their first match.
“Pretty much from the start of the tournament every game is a ‘must win’,” Buttler told reporters.
“We’ve got two games left to progress further. We have to win those games so that’s a very clear situation for us to be in.”
Buttler also said he had faith in his pace bowling attack in spite of the pasting they received at the hands of Australia.
“We’ve got great confidence in those guys,” said Buttler.
“Level of performance was good and as always there’s little areas we want to improve and chase that perfect game.
Jofra Archer went for 82 off his 10 overs as Josh Inglis hammered an unbeaten 120. Mark Wood conceded 75 and Brydon Carse, who will miss the rest of the tournament because of a toe injury, went for 69 off seven.
“The debrief (to the quicks) was pretty easy, to be honest. We all felt that we did good things in places and probably just weren’t quite consistent enough in a couple of areas.
“And also sometimes you’ve got to give credit to someone who plays an outstanding innings.”
Buttler said his team has put the defeat aside to focus on the Afghanistan game.
“We’ve parked that now,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the game tomorrow. The guys have all prepared really well, we’ve turned up with a lot of positivity and trying to impart our style of playing.
Buttler hasn’t had the best of results as captain of the white-ball team since he led the team to a T20 World Cup title in 2022.
Buttler’s England won only three of their nine matches as defending champions at the 50-over World Cup in India in 2023.
The team faltered in the semifinal of last year’s T20 World Cup and recently suffered a 3-0 ODI whitewash in India ahead of the Champions Trophy.
“At any time as a captain you want to perform and you want to perform well and you want to lead your team to winning games in cricket. We haven’t been doing that enough in the recent past,” said Buttler.
England suffered a shock loss to Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup in New Delhi and Buttler said he “respects” the opposition and their top-class spinners, including Rashid Khan.
But he insisted England would be eliminating the negative and accentuating the positive.
“As soon as you catch yourself thinking about any negative things, you just try and completely forget that and focus on all of the positive things that could go right and where you can take the team,” he said.
England will be forced to make at least one change for Wednesday’s match after Carse was ruled out of the tournament and replaced in the squad by leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed.


Pakistan mulls ‘crypto council’ for safe digital asset ecosystem

Pakistan mulls ‘crypto council’ for safe digital asset ecosystem
Updated 25 February 2025
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Pakistan mulls ‘crypto council’ for safe digital asset ecosystem

Pakistan mulls ‘crypto council’ for safe digital asset ecosystem
  • Pakistan currently has over 20 million active users in the digital asset market
  • These users face significant challenges, including high fees for transactions

KARACHI: Pakistan is mulling a “national crypto council” to establish a financial ecosystem in the country that would allow safe investments in digital assets, the Finance Division said on Tuesday.
The statement came after Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presided over a high-level meeting to discuss global evolution of cryptocurrency and potential impact of digital assets on Pakistan’s economy.
Pakistan’s central bank has declared virtual currencies, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, Pakcoin, OneCoin, DasCoin and Pay Diamond, illegal and prohibited their sale, purchase and exchange in trading.

Aurangzeb directed stakeholders to formulate a comprehensive framework for a digital asset ecosystem that ensures security, transparency, regulatory compliance and economic viability.
“To enhance this initiative, the government will consider establishing a National Crypto Council, which will serve as a dedicated advisory body comprising key government representatives, regulatory authorities, and industry experts,” the Finance Division said in a statement.
“This Crypto Council will oversee policy development, address regulatory challenges, and ensure that Pakistan’s digital asset ecosystem evolves in a secure, compliant, and sustainable manner. The Council will also collaborate with friendly countries to develop standardized frameworks for international digital economic engagement.”
Pakistan currently has over 20 million active users in the digital asset market who face significant challenges, including high transaction fees, according to the Finance Division.
The finance minister reaffirmed his commitment to regulating and encouraging this industry by adopting appropriate frameworks, laws and incentives to ensure transparency and facilitate digital business growth.
“Discussions also included the tokenization of key infrastructure and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) assets, allowing for increased liquidity, broader investor participation, and greater efficiency in capital markets,” it said.
“It was noted that various stakeholders, including foreign and domestic investors, have already developed product-ready digital asset solutions that could be explored within a regulatory sandbox.”
Aurangzeb stressed the importance of a well-regulated digital asset framework that aligns Pakistan with international best practices and complies with guidelines of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global dirty money watchdog, according to the statement.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to exploring digital assets and integrating blockchain technology as part of its broader strategy to modernize the financial sector.
“The meeting concluded with a consensus on adopting a cautious yet forward-looking approach, ensuring that future developments in the digital asset space align with national interests, FATF guidelines and global financial standards,” the Finance Division said.


Pakistan aims to increase bank account coverage to 75 percent in next three years

Pakistan aims to increase bank account coverage to 75 percent in next three years
Updated 25 February 2025
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Pakistan aims to increase bank account coverage to 75 percent in next three years

Pakistan aims to increase bank account coverage to 75 percent in next three years
  • Only 64 percent of adult population in Pakistan currently have bank accounts
  • Pakistan has been making efforts to document its economy to broaden tax base

KARACHI: Pakistan’s central bank has set a target to increase bank account coverage in the country to 75 percent of the adult population in next three years, its governor said on Tuesday, aiming to reduce the gender gap to 25 percent by 2028.
Pakistan, with a population of 240 million, is home to one of the world’s largest unbanked populations, with around 64 percent of its adult population having a bank account, according to central bank figures.
This has increased from only 47 percent in 2018, while the gender gap has also been narrowed from 47 percent to 34 percent in recent years.
Speaking at the Pakistan Banking Summit 2025, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad said financial inclusion was one of the core functions of the central bank.
“To achieve these ambitious targets, we want to enhance the depth, breadth, and quality of financial services, particularly for low-income individuals, the microfinance sector, SMEs (small, medium enterprises) and agriculture,” he said.
The development comes as part of the SBP’s Strategic Vision 2028, which focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable access to financial services, building an innovative digital financial ecosystem, and enhancing efficiency, fairness and stability of the financial system.
Ahmad called on the banking industry to reassess its business strategy to “focus on mobilizing deposits and increasing credit to the private sector particularly the SMEs and agriculture sectors.”
“Our banks need to rethink their current business model, reassess their priorities, and play a more active role in financial intermediation,” he said.
Pakistan, which has faced an economic meltdown in recent years, is currently undertaking reforms to document and digitize economy and broaden its tax base.
The central bank chief urged the banking industry to increase their usage of artificial intelligence, based on cellular and satellite data, to provide cost-effective alternative delivery channels to enhance access, usage and quality of financial services.
He reiterated the need to “work on a war footing” to help businesses digitize their payments by providing digital transactional access, preferably via secure portals.


Pakistan, Russia activate anti-terrorism dialogue to counter security concerns

Pakistan, Russia activate anti-terrorism dialogue to counter security concerns
Updated 25 February 2025
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Pakistan, Russia activate anti-terrorism dialogue to counter security concerns

Pakistan, Russia activate anti-terrorism dialogue to counter security concerns
  • Both nations have been targeted by armed militant networks and tried to deal with the threat
  • Russia has also invited Pakistani officials to participate in its anti-narcotics training programs

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia agreed to activate their bilateral anti-terrorism dialogue during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev on Tuesday, according to an official statement from the interior ministry.

Both nations have been grappling with threats from armed militant groups. Pakistan has complained of “cross-border” attacks by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) originating from Afghanistan, allegations denied by Kabul’s interim Taliban administration.

The country has also been targeted by ethnic Baloch separatists, who accuse the state of exploiting Balochistan’s rich mineral resources without benefiting local communities. The Pakistani government, however, says it has launched several development projects in the region to improve the quality of life for its residents.

Russia has also faced terrorism on its soil. On March 22, 2024, a deadly attack occurred at the Crocus City Hall concert venue near Moscow, killing over 140 people and injuring many others. The attack, claimed by Daesh militants, was one of the deadliest in Russia in recent years.

“Terrorism is an international challenge, and only through multifaceted joint efforts can this menace be controlled,” Naqvi said, according to his ministry’s statement.

During the meeting, both sides discussed enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics efforts.

They agreed to increase mutual exchanges of delegations to strengthen collaboration further.

Russian Ambassador Khorev also extended an invitation for Pakistani officers to participate in anti-narcotics training programs in Moscow and Siberia.

“We will promote mutual contacts to further strengthen relations with Russia,” Naqvi said, emphasizing the broad opportunities for bilateral cooperation across various sectors.


Rain washes out Champions Trophy match between South Africa and Australia in Rawalpindi

Rain washes out Champions Trophy match between South Africa and Australia in Rawalpindi
Updated 25 February 2025
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Rain washes out Champions Trophy match between South Africa and Australia in Rawalpindi

Rain washes out Champions Trophy match between South Africa and Australia in Rawalpindi
  • The pitch remained under covers at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium throughout the day because of a persistent light drizzle
  • Both unbeaten teams go into their last Group B game with a chance to qualify for semifinals with three points already secured

RAWALPINDI: Rain washed out the Champions Trophy game between South Africa and two-time winner Australia on Tuesday without a ball being bowled.
The pitch remained under covers at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium throughout the day because of a persistent light drizzle before umpires called off the game shortly after 5 p.m. local time.
Both unbeaten teams go into their last Group B game with a chance to qualify for the semifinals with three points already secured. Australia plays against Afghanistan at Lahore on Friday while South Africa meets England at Karachi on Saturday.
South Africa and Australia began their campaigns by posting 300-plus scores against Afghanistan and England, respectively.
Australia, coming into the Champions Trophy without three frontline fast bowlers, made the tournament’s highest-ever chase of 352 on the back of Josh Inglis’ century against England at Lahore.
South Africa registered an emphatic 107-run win over Afghanistan at Karachi after Ryan Rickelton made his maiden ODI hundred in a strong total of 315-6.
New Zealand and India have already qualified for the semifinals after winning both their Group A games against Pakistan and Afghanistan.
England will take on Afghanistan in a must-win game for both teams to stay in semifinal contention in Lahore on Wednesday.