ABBOTTABAD: Speakers at a consultative dialogue here on Thursday said that uninterrupted access for Pakistani products to European Union markets was crucial for national economic stability, and that full compliance with international human rights and civil liberties commitments was essential to maintain these trade concessions.
The event, organized in connection with International Human Rights Day, was jointly hosted by the Human Development Organization (HDO), the Integrated Human Rights Network (IHRN) and the District Bar Association Abbottabad. The dialogue focused on the theme “Civil Liberties and National Economy.” Lawyers, media professionals, civil society activists and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce attended the session.
HDO Executive Director Muhammad Sadaqat briefed participants on the organization’s human rights initiatives, noting that Pakistan, having ratified seven key United Nations human rights conventions, is obligated to ensure protection of civil liberties within the country. He said HDO has been conducting awareness programs to help citizens understand their rights and contribute to national economic progress.
HDO Programme Coordinator Ahsan Khan highlighted that Pakistan currently enjoys preferential access—mostly zero or minimal tariff—to markets across 27 European Union member states. These concessions are tied to Pakistan’s obligation to implement 27 UN human rights conventions, particularly those related to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
He added that since Pakistan secured these EU trade preferences in 2014, the country’s exports have grown from USD 6 billion to USD 16 billion, significantly boosting the national economy. He cautioned, however, that the EU is expected to review Pakistan’s civil liberties situation soon. Citing the example of Sri Lanka, which lost similar concessions due to non-compliance, he stressed the need for Pakistan to demonstrate seriousness in meeting its commitments.
General Secretary of the District Bar Association, Asad Khan Jadoon, moved a resolution urging the government to ensure strict adherence to international agreements for sustained economic growth and national prosperity.
Senior lawyers including Muhammad Idrees Awan, Malik Saeed Akhtar, Zafar Iqbal, Syed Zulfiqar Shah, Chamber of Commerce Vice President Haji Maqbool Khan, and media representative Madni Ijaz Jadoon, also shared their views.
