Death penalty a barrier to EU market access, Senate told

Dawn.com Published December 6, 2013

ISLAMABAD: In a written statement to the Senate on Friday, the Foreign Ministry said that Pakistan's case for greater access to European markets would be substantially weaker if it does not abolish the death penalty.

In the written response, the Foreign Ministry said that the case of Generalised System Preference (GSP) plus status could be weakened by the issue of capital punishment, as the EU seeks its abolishment and has also notified the Pakistani officials on the matter.

The Foreign ministry further said that the issue of death sentence was not a condition but it could pose a threat to the granting of the aspired status.

The status remains crucial as the European Union is one of Pakistan’s the leading trading partners and the upgraded status would grant Pakistani exporters greater access to EU member countries.

Although the EU has previously clarified that the abolishment of the death penalty is not a condition, according to a Dawn report, every aspirant for the GSP Plus status has to sign 27 conventions relating to human rights, child labour, and fair trade practices.

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syed

Dec 06, 2013 09:00pm

This is really shame, One thing we need to understand, the nations who became developed nations live their ways. If we will follow other peoples way how can we leave? Today they are saying one thing tomorrow they will say second. We should make our own ways

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Adil Khan

Dec 07, 2013 01:12am

How do they trade with the USA then? Perhaps GOP should file a case in ECJ for discrimination. There are several US states which have death penalty.

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fahd abbasy

Dec 07, 2013 01:53am

and if you abolish death penalty.. there will be entry barrier to Heaven

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Syed

Dec 07, 2013 05:03am

One reason for the high rate of killings and other heinous crimes is non execution of death penalty by previous and present government. The reason for non execution is not for love for human rights or getting favor in international community. It is only out of fear of criminals. Our leaders are timid and gutless. Everybody knows conditions in our prisons. With the connivance of Jail Staff criminals are permitted to go out of jail and commit serious crimes. With money and corrupt Jail Staff in association with ministers these hardy criminals get all facilities for lavish living in jails. This way it will be impossible to control law and order. Criminals lobby must be happy to read this news item.

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ali

Dec 07, 2013 07:16am

Many States in the US have death penalty, how come the EU is dealing with the US.Presently abolishing death penalty will boost terrorism.

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IBN-E-ASHFAQUE

Dec 08, 2013 10:19pm

Pakistanis have to choose between following Allah's commandments or EU's commandments. They are difficult choices. However, we should prepare the nation for it or else we will suffer here and in the hereafter.

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