The Hague, October 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Baloch National Movement (BNM) has intensified its campaign for the revocation of Pakistan’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade status, urging European lawmakers to link trade benefits with respect for human rights ahead of the European Union’s (EU) review of the scheme, expected in January 2027.
According to the BNM, its delegation met members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on October 23 during the launch of the Union of European Federalists (UEF) Netherlands at Europa Experience in The Hague. The event was held under the theme “Global Challenges We’re Facing Together”.
The delegation met MEPs Anna Strolenberg and Raquel Garcia Hermida-van der Walle, along with Esther Lainez, President of the Young European Federalists (JEF) Netherlands.
During the meetings, BNM representatives briefed European officials on what they described as the deteriorating human rights situation in Balochistan, the Baloch national struggle for freedom and self-determination, and Pakistan’s alleged failure to fulfil its international human rights commitments.
The central focus of the discussions was Pakistan’s GSP+ status. According to the BNM, the delegation urged European representatives to support the withdrawal of Pakistan’s preferential trade benefits, arguing that a country accused of widespread enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, collective punishment and other serious human rights violations should not continue receiving trade concessions without accountability.
The delegation also submitted a detailed dossier documenting alleged human rights abuses in Balochistan and Pakistan’s purported non-compliance with international conventions linked to the EU’s GSP+ scheme.
With the EU review expected in January 2027, the BNM described the coming months as a crucial phase in its diplomatic campaign. The organisation expressed hope that European institutions would carefully assess its proposals, evidence and submissions while evaluating Pakistan’s compliance with the scheme’s conditions.
The BNM said the EU must ensure that its trade policies remain consistent with its commitment to human rights. It also argued that preferential trade arrangements should not shield countries from accountability for serious human rights violations.
The organisation said it would continue engaging with European institutions and policymakers to press for the revocation of Pakistan’s GSP+ status and keep the human rights situation in Balochistan on the agenda of EU discussions concerning trade and accountability.
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