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Express Tribune
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bilawal urges EU to support diplomatic efforts with India to resolve Kashmir issue
Former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in a meeting with Katleen Depoorter, Vice Chair of Foreign Affairs Committee in the Belgian Parliament, on June 12 in Brussels. PHOTO: BBhuttoZardari/X Listen to article Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has urged the European Union to guide the region back to a diplomatic path, calling for a comprehensive dialogue that includes Kashmir, water disputes, and trade. The statement comes after the Pakistani delegation, led by the PPP chairman, reached Brussels on Wednesday. This follows successful visits to Washington, New York, and London, aimed at countering Indian propaganda in the wake of recent tensions between Pakistan and India. In a meeting with Vice Chair of the Belgian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, Katleen Depoorter, on Thursday, Bilawal shared Pakistan's grave concerns regarding India's approach. "We have a ceasefire, but not peace. India's threats to weaponise water, its rejection of dialogue, and refusal to uphold UNSC resolutions have dangerously lowered the threshold for nuclear conflict in South Asia,' he said. Met H.E. Katleen Depoorter @DepoorterK, Vice Chair, Foreign Affairs Committee, Belgian Parliament 🇧🇪 Shared Pakistan's concern: we have a ceasefire, but no peace. India's threats to weaponise water, rejection of dialogue, and refusal to honour UNSC resolutions have dangerously… — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 12, 2025 He pointed out that such a dialogue would open avenues for counterterrorism cooperation. 'Peace must not be partisan," said Bilawal, reiterating that dialogue remains the only path forward to regional stability. Bilawal also acknowledged the EU's principled stance on diplomacy, the rule of law, and its support for GSP+. "The EU's role in promoting human rights reforms and inclusive legislation in Pakistan has been invaluable," he noted. Earlier, speaking to the media in Brussels, after a meeting with Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade, Bilawal highlighted the importance of dialogue in addressing these longstanding conflicts. 'War cannot be a solution to any issue. All matters, including Kashmir and water, must be resolved through dialogue,' he said. Together with HL delegation, Met MEP Bernd Lange, Chair of @EP_Trade, at the European Parliament in Brussels and conveyed Pakistan's deep concerns over Indian aggression, including threats to weaponise water, our lifeline, an act violating the UN Charter and risking war. Despite… — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 12, 2025 Former foreign minister emphasised that Pakistan's message of peace was communicated to the European Union during the parliamentary delegation's visit, underlining that stability and peaceful coexistence are key to maximising trade and regional prosperity. He also addressed India's recent decisions concerning the Indus Waters Treaty, describing India's unilateral actions as a violation of international law. "India's actions regarding the treaty undermine international agreements, and the EU strongly supports the adherence to these treaties," he added. In his remarks on the ongoing conflict, Bilawal asserted that India's aggression against Pakistan represents a breach of international law and poses a significant threat to regional peace. Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik further clarified Pakistan's position, noting that India has no legal grounds to abandon the Indus Waters Treaty. Spoke to Hasan Askari of @BBCUrdu in London. I conveyed that Pakistan's position is rooted in truth and strength. Even India's supporters in the U.S. admitted Delhi offered no evidence on Pahalgam. Our counterterrorism efforts are recognized globally. Warned that if India… — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 12, 2025 Earlier, in an exclusive interview with the BBC, Bilawal warned that any attempt by India to block Pakistan's water supply could lead to war. 'If India stops our water supply, it will lead to war,' he said. "India has made a major announcement regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, and if they follow through, there will be war," said Bilawal. He warned that such actions would set a dangerous precedent for the use of water as a weapon in international relations. On the Pahalgam attack, he said that Indian supporters in the US have failed to provide any proof linking Pakistan to the incident. He stressed that Pakistan's efforts against terrorism are recognised globally. 'The United States is aware of how Pakistan deals with terrorist groups,' he added. Also Read: India's unilateral suspension of IWT could destabilise regional peace: Bilawal He pointed to Pakistan's successful efforts in getting off the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. 'We completed the entire FATF process, and the US was part of it. They saw first-hand how Pakistan acted against these groups,' he said. The PPP leader also spoke about his recent diplomatic visits to the US and the UK, calling them a success. He said, 'Our position is based on truth, and we have come with a message of peace. We want to engage in dialogue, especially considering the looming nuclear risk. Every individual we meet is not only listening to our position but also appreciating it and expressing a willingness to help." Read More: Bilawal warns Pakistan-India war threshold at 'historic low' When asked about India's stance on the Indus Waters Treaty, Bilawal expressed concern over the irresponsible position taken by New Delhi. "If you allow water to be used as a weapon in the context of Pakistan, then tomorrow it can be used against anyone else. One day, it could even be India," he warned. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to peace but made it clear that any attempt to disrupt Pakistan's water supply would be met with severe consequences. "If India cuts off our water supply, there will be war," he concluded.
Arab News
12-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan urges EU to continue GSP+, raises alarm over India's water treaty violations
KARACHI: A high-level Pakistani delegation visiting Brussels on Thursday urged European Union officials to support the continuation of Pakistan's preferential trade access under the GSP+ scheme, while also raising concern over India's alleged violations of the Indus Waters Treaty. The delegation, led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, met with Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament's International Trade Committee, to discuss regional tensions following a recent military escalation with India, the worst confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbors in decades. The group previously visited Washington and London as part of a broader diplomatic effort to rally international support after the conflict in which the two nations exchanged drones, missiles, and artillery strikes between May 7-10 before a ceasefire was announced. Since then, both countries have launched diplomatic offensives to present their narratives on the conflict and its causes. 'We just had a meeting with their [EU] trade representative, where we conveyed Pakistan's message of peace,' Bhutto Zardari told reporters after the meeting. 'In that context, we specifically raised the decisions related to the Indus Waters Treaty, which are violations of international law, and in the EU context, they strongly believe in respecting treaties and adhering to international law. So, in that context, we pitched our case.' The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, governs the distribution of water from the Indus River system between India and Pakistan. Islamabad has expressed alarm in recent months over what it sees as India's unilateral actions affecting river flows, warning that any withdrawal from or violation of the treaty could destabilize water access for millions of people in the region. Bhutto Zardari emphasized that Pakistan seeks engagement over confrontation with India, citing terrorism, the longstanding Kashmir territorial dispute, and water issues as areas that require dialogue. 'There should be engagement with India, whether on the issue of terrorism, the Kashmir dispute, or, of course, the critical issue of water, so that solutions can be found,' he said. Bhutto Zardari also thanked the European Union for expressing condolences over Pakistani casualties in the recent clashes with India and praised the bloc's commitment to international norms. 'If you look at this recent conflict, the violation of international law has been committed by one side, and that side is not Pakistan,' he said. Musadiq Malik, Pakistan's federal minister for water resources and another member of the delegation, warned EU officials of the wider implications of undermining water treaties. 'If India is given the right to exit the Indus Waters Treaty, then 70 percent of the world's countries that are lower riparian, whose populations depend on drinking water, agriculture, and life itself, will face destruction,' Malik said. He urged the international community to preserve a rules-based global order. 'Because if we do not, remember, in the Wild West, the one with the faster gun ruled,' he added. Former ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani, also part of the delegation, said the team had requested continued EU support for Pakistan under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which allows duty-free or low-duty access for developing countries to the European market in exchange for progress on human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and good governance. 'We requested them to continue their support for GSP+, as they have in the past,' Jilani said. 'We hope the European Union will take into consideration Pakistan's need for the GSP+ status and will play a role in its continuation.' The current GSP+ arrangement, which has significantly boosted Pakistan's textile exports to the EU, is due for review as the bloc finalizes the next phase of its trade preference program. The scheme has played a key role in supporting Pakistan's exports, particularly in the garment sector, which employs millions. Pakistan GSP+ benefits were extended last year until 2027.
Business Recorder
07-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PRGMEA seeks targeted policy support in budget
KARACHI: In an urgent appeal to the government, the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) has called for targeted policy support in the upcoming budget to address pressing challenges facing the country's value-added textile export sector. The association also urged the full and proper restoration of the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) and the Final Tax Regime (FTR). Representing a $4.9 billion export segment, the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) has submitted a detailed communication to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production. In the letter, on behalf of PRGMEA, former Chairman Ijaz A Khokhar has highlighted six critical areas requiring urgent intervention: reinstatement of the EFS, restoration of the FTR, engagement on high US tariffs, clearance of refund backlogs, preparedness for the GSP+ review, and the launch of a national branding campaign to promote 'Made in Pakistan' garments. $60bn exports by 2029 target unachievable: MoC Khokhar also outlined a set of strategic policy recommendations aimed at restoring the sector's competitiveness, streamlining tax and refund mechanisms, and positioning Pakistan to benefit from evolving global trade trends He warned that without timely and targeted reforms, Pakistan risks losing its competitive edge at a time when global apparel buyers are diversifying away from traditional sourcing hubs, presenting a rare opportunity for local exporters. He has emphasized that continuity in policy, lower costs of doing business, and SME-focused facilitation is essential to unlocking the sector's true potential and advancing the Prime Minister's vision of achieving $100 billion in exports. PRGMEA urged the government to fully restore the original EFS framework, ensuring it remains a practical and enabling tool for the exporters. The recent changes in this scheme are highly restrictive and counterproductive, particularly for SMEs operating under Just-in-Time (JIT) and Never Out of Stock (NOS) export business models that require longer lead times and flexible inventory management, he added. Moreover, he suggested that any addition of sales tax within the EFS framework must be avoided, as it risks double taxation and imposes unnecessary financial and administrative burdens on exporters. Khokhar said that the demand by a sub-sector to exclude fabric and yarn from the EFS is not justified, particularly when it comes to technical and functional materials that are not produced locally as per international standards. In many cases, exporters are obligated to source specific fabrics or yarns from buyer-nominated suppliers to meet international quality and compliance standards, he mentioned. Restricting such imports under EFS would severely impact the competitiveness and operational viability of Pakistan's value-added apparel exporters. PRGMEA recommends that the EFS be reinstated in its original true letter and spirit, so that Pakistan's value-added textile industry can operate competitively, reliably, and sustainably in the global market. PRGMEA has urged the government to restore the FTR to simplify tax compliance, eliminate redundant audits, and improve the overall ease of doing business particularly for SMEs. PRGMEA recommends that the government, immediately engage US trade authorities to review the reciprocal tariff and advocate for GSP-like tariff relief or ESG-linked concessions for sustainably produced garments. Khokhar has strongly urged the government to implement a fully automated, time-bound refund mechanism to ensure uninterrupted cash flow for exporters as delays in the disbursement of sales tax refunds and customs rebates continue to create severe liquidity constraints, particularly for SMEs operating on tight margins. To expand Pakistan's global footprint, Khokhar has urged the Ministry of Commerce to launch a robust marketing and branding campaign for 'Made in Pakistan' garments. Trade fairs, B2B matchmaking, and digital outreach through embassies should be part of this drive, he added. Without concrete reforms, policy continuity, and timely facilitation, the true potential of this sector and its contribution toward national export targets will remain unrealized, he concluded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
IOL News
30-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Pakistan's forgotten workforce: A global supply chain built on exploitation
From textile mills in Faisalabad to construction sites in Karachi, millions of Pakistanis are trapped in a cycle of low wages, unsafe working conditions, and systemic neglect, fuelling global supply chains while earning little more than a survival. While India positions itself as a digital powerhouse and South Africa strengthens its manufacturing sector through progressive labour reforms, Pakistan remains tethered to a system that relies on the chronic exploitation of its workers. From textile mills in Faisalabad to construction sites in Karachi, millions of Pakistanis are trapped in a cycle of low wages, unsafe working conditions, and systemic neglect, fuelling global supply chains while earning little more than a survival. This labour exploitation is not a domestic issue alone; it has far-reaching implications for global labour markets. Many of the goods manufactured in Pakistan — from garments and leather products to surgical instruments — end up in Western retail stores. But the workers behind these products are often paid less than the legal minimum wage, without contracts, benefits, or basic safety equipment. Pakistan's economy relies heavily on its export sector, particularly textiles, which account for over 60% of total exports. Behind these figures lies a workforce often earning as little as $72 a month, far below the recommended living wage. Many are employed informally, with no legal recourse if injured, fired, or harassed. Factories subcontract their work to smaller units to bypass labour regulations, creating a shadow economy where labour laws simply don't apply."Multinational brands continue to source from Pakistan not because it is efficient, but because it is cheap," says Amina Shah, a Lahore-based labour rights advocate. "They benefit from a system where accountability is diluted and inspection regimes are weak."Pakistan's inability or unwillingness to enforce labour protections starkly contrasts with recent reforms in other Global South economies. In India, for instance, the digitisation of labour contracts and increased scrutiny of employers has begun to curb exploitative practices, while South Africa's implementation of a national minimum wage and improved union protections has strengthened worker rights. The gap is growing — and with it, Pakistan's vulnerability. Not only are workers suffering, but the country is losing out on international contracts that increasingly require compliance with ethical sourcing standards. Pakistan's continued listing on the European Union's GSP+ trade scheme, which grants tariff-free access in exchange for human rights and labour compliance, is under scrutiny. A future suspension could devastate exports."We're not just talking about poor working conditions — we're talking about modern slavery," said an EU trade observer who requested anonymity. "The world is watching." Meanwhile, Pakistan's labour force remains voiceless. Unionisation is discouraged or outright banned in many industrial zones. The ''contract system" — where workers are hired through middlemen — absolves companies of responsibility, leaving workers unprotected and easily disposable. As Pakistan navigates an uncertain economic future, it faces a stark choice: either reform and protect its labour force, or remain a source of cheap but ethically tainted goods in a world growing increasingly intolerant of exploitation. For the millions of workers on the margins, reform is not just a policy matter — it's a question of survival.
Business Recorder
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan's $60bn export target: Ministers told to craft business plans
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal directed the concerned ministers to prepare business plans to achieve $60 billion export target during the next five years. The minister Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review Pakistan's export-led growth strategy under the 'Uraan Pakistan' programme. This session was the first bimonthly meeting of the first 'E'—Exports—from the five Es framework that defines the government's roadmap to transform Pakistan into a $1 trillion economy by 2035. During the meeting, directed all relevant ministries to form dedicated working groups, develop cluster-wise business plans, define measurable export targets, and submit comprehensive execution frameworks ahead of the next review meeting scheduled in two weeks. He emphasised a national target of $60 billion in export growth over the next five years, instructing that this must be treated as a mission-critical national priority. Jul-Apr exports up 6.25pc to $26.859bn YoY 'This is not business as usual. We need to adopt a radically different approach—a breakaway from the past. This is a 100-metre sprint. We must run faster than our competitors to capture global markets,' said the minister. He stressed the importance of data-driven planning and value chain development, instructing the senior officials of Planning Ministry to immediately undertake a comprehensive data analytics exercise to evaluate domestic strengths and map global market trends. 'Unless we have exact, precise data, our resources will be wasted. We must sit at the drawing board and align our capacities with global demand,' he said. The minister emphasised that export development is not merely about opening LCs and shipping containers—it requires building a complete ecosystem including regulatory compliance, certification, branding, and integration with global supply chains. He stated, 'Made in Pakistan' must become synonymous with quality, productivity, and sustainability. To this end, the Planning Ministry is facilitating the development of eight strategic clusters identified as anchors of Pakistan's future export growth: (1) Agriculture and Agro-based Exports; (2) Industry and Manufacturing (including textiles, engineering, pharmaceuticals); (3) Services (excluding IT, including financial services, medical tourism, consultancy); (4)Information Technology and Digital Services; (5) Mining and Minerals; (6) Manpower Exports and Overseas Employment; (7) Blue Economy (Maritime Sectors) and (8) Creative Industries (media, arts, and culture). Each cluster has been assigned to a respective ministry with convening responsibilities to prepare detailed, inter-ministerial business plans for each product and sub-sector within their domains. In his remarks, Prof Iqbal emphasised the need for compliance with international environmental and quality standards, including certifications required for preferential trade regimes such as GSP+. Calling the challenge an economic emergency, he urged the Ministry of Commerce to disaggregate the $60 billion target across the eight sectors, propose practical policy measures, and coordinate closely with provincial and private stakeholders. 'This requires a national effort. Just as our Air Forces have made us proud with hard work, our economic institutions must now step up to make the nation proud,' he said. The minister concluded by stressing the 80/20 principle—focusing efforts on projects with maximum potential impact — and reiterated that fortnightly reviews will be held for each 'E' under the Uraan Pakistan framework to ensure strict implementation and accountability. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
