EU flags free speech concerns in Pakistan

The European Union (EU) reminded Pakistan of its international human rights commitments while condemning the conviction of two human rights activists and lawyers by the Pakistani authorities. Expressing deep concerns, an EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni stated that the conviction of both the lawyers over social media activity goes against freedom of expression and independence of lawyers. The arrest of the duo has been severely criticised all over the world. Following the arrest, journalists, parliamentarians and human rights bodies strongly condemned the action and called for their justice. Following the arrest of the duo, widespread protests has erupted in Karachi this week. A Pakistani court sentenced both the lawyers to a combined 17 years in prison under Pakistan’s controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) on Saturday. 
Pakistan is one of the largest beneficiaries of the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which grants duty-free access to most European markets in return for implementing 27 international conventions covering human rights, labor standards, environmental protection and good governance. Pakistan’s GSP+ status came under scrutiny in the past after, in April 2021, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for an immediate review, citing concerns over violence against religious minorities, curbs on media freedom and broader human rights issues.
Responding to the EU concern, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi described the development as Pakistan’s “domestic affair.” “The conviction, under our local laws, has taken place through a judicial process,” he said during his weekly media briefing. “The relevant individuals have a right to appeal, have a right to a judicial recourse.”