Call to scrap Pakistan’s GSP+ status draws backlash amid fragile economic recovery

A reported appeal by the son of former prime minister Imran Khan, Kasim Khan, urging the European Union to withdraw Pakistan’s GSP+ trade status has triggered sharp criticism, with observers calling the move harmful to the country’s economic interests.

The development comes at a time when Pakistan’s economy is undergoing a delicate recovery, making any attempt to undermine external trade concessions particularly contentious. Analysts argue that efforts to revoke GSP+, a preferential trade arrangement that grants Pakistan enhanced access to European markets, could directly impact key export sectors, threaten employment, and weaken the country’s economic stability.

Critics say lobbying for the removal of such benefits goes beyond political expression, describing it as an irresponsible step that prioritises personal or political considerations over the livelihoods of millions. They emphasise that GSP+ is not merely symbolic but a cornerstone of Pakistan’s trade framework with Europe, supporting industries and sustaining jobs across the country.

The move has also raised concerns about the internationalisation of domestic political disputes. Commentators warn that taking internal conflicts to foreign platforms risks damaging Pakistan’s global reputation and economic prospects, framing such actions as deliberate attempts to destabilise the country’s financial footing rather than legitimate opposition politics.

They further argue that no state can afford to tolerate efforts that seek to leverage foreign influence against national economic interests, particularly at a time of economic vulnerability.