Kashmir crackdown raises concerns over Pakistan’s EU trade

Pakistan’s response to protests in Pakistan administered Kashmir is attracting growing international attention, with concerns over human rights potentially putting pressure on the country’s important trade relationship with the European Union.

The European Conservative reported on August 26 that protests in Pakistan administered Kashmir had resulted in dozens of civilian deaths, restrictions on communications and increased use of anti terrorism measures against local organisations and activists.

The developments have raised concerns over whether Pakistan is meeting the human rights commitments linked to its preferential access to the European market.

According to the report, Pakistani security forces have been linked to around 90 deaths since early June. Amnesty International had documented at least 40 deaths by July 28, while local sources reported more than 70. The report also said that telephone and internet services were restricted in parts of the region beginning June 5.

The unrest has also raised concerns about access to information. The article reported that Pakistan’s national cybercrime agency had taken action that could result in the blocking of YouTube channels linked to journalists and opposition figures. Critics say such measures could further restrict freedom of expression and limit public access to information.

The issue is particularly significant because Pakistan has benefited from the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, commonly known as GSP Plus, since 2014. The programme provides preferential or zero tariffs on roughly two thirds of European Union tariff lines. According to the article, more than 85 percent of Pakistani exports to Europe currently enter the market without duties or quotas under the scheme.

The European market is extremely important to Pakistan’s economy. The European Union accounted for around 28 percent of Pakistan’s exports in 2024. Textiles and clothing make up between 70 percent and 76 percent of Pakistan’s exports to the European market. Any changes to trade preferences could therefore have a significant impact on Pakistani exporters and workers in the textile sector.

However, GSP Plus benefits are linked to specific conditions. Pakistan is expected to effectively implement international agreements covering civil rights, freedom of expression and association, judicial protections, the prohibition of torture, labour rights and protections against forced and child labour.

The European Union therefore considers not only whether countries have signed international agreements, but also whether they are making genuine progress in putting those commitments into practice. European officials have previously raised concerns about human rights and fundamental freedoms in Pakistan.

Concerns about Pakistan’s human rights record also extend beyond Kashmir. European monitoring has focused on issues including the detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the use of military courts to try civilians and restrictions affecting political opposition groups. The European Conservative presents these developments as part of broader concerns about democratic institutions and civil liberties in Pakistan.

Despite these concerns, the European Union continues to pursue closer economic and strategic relations with Pakistan. During the latest European Union Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, both sides discussed cooperation in areas including investment, energy, digital infrastructure, climate, migration and mobility. More than 300 European companies are also participating in a new bilateral business network, reflecting the importance of economic ties between the two sides.

This creates a difficult situation for Brussels. The European Union has an interest in maintaining strong economic and strategic relations with Pakistan, while also ensuring that the conditions attached to its trade preferences are respected.

The situation in Kashmir has also attracted wider international attention. Reuters reported in August that Pakistan had introduced additional restrictions affecting Pakistani journalists working for foreign media. Human Rights Watch criticised the measures, saying they could threaten press freedom.

The European Conservative argues that developments in Kashmir could influence the European position as officials return from the summer recess. However, this does not mean that Pakistan has already lost its GSP Plus benefits. The article is highlighting the possibility of increased European pressure rather than reporting a confirmed decision to withdraw the trade privileges.

For Pakistan, the issue is important because access to the European market provides significant export opportunities. Any reduction in trade preferences could increase costs for Pakistani exporters and make their products less competitive in Europe.

The developments in Kashmir have therefore turned a domestic human rights and political issue into a broader international and economic concern. Pakistan’s handling of human rights, political freedoms and press freedom could increasingly affect not only its relationship with the European Union, but also its economic interests in one of its most important export markets.