Protest in Brussels: Call for EU Action Against Pakistan's Human Rights Violations

At a protest by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement outside the European Parliament, Jamil Maqsood of the UKPNP urged the EU to hold Pakistan accountable for human rights abuses under the GSP+ scheme. Highlighting issues spanning enforced disappearances and constitutional violations, Maqsood called for international law adherence and democratic integrity.

At a demonstration organized by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) outside the European Parliament in Brussels, Jamil Maqsood, heading the Foreign Affairs Committee of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), decried Pakistan's deteriorating human rights record. He urged the European Union to enforce stricter accountability measures under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) mechanism.

Maqsood's speech coincided with a high-profile meeting between Pakistan's Foreign Minister and EU representatives, underscoring the spotlight on Pakistan's systematic repression. On Facebook, Maqsood stated his unequivocal support for PTM's peaceful resistance against enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary arrests in the Pashtun regions, which he described as indicative of Pakistan's governance failures.

Further condemning efforts to integrate disputed territories via a proposed constitutional amendment, Maqsood argued such actions breach international law and defy UN resolutions and the aspirations of Kashmiris. He stressed UKPNP's dedication to democratic freedoms and peaceful opposition, emphasizing the violated human rights in both Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Addressing economic aspects, Maqsood criticized Pakistan's non-compliance with the EU's GSP+ terms, noting persistent shortcomings in human rights and governance as revealed by EU reports. He pushed for the EU to make Pakistan's GSP+ status contingent on tangible improvements in civil liberties, media freedom, and cessation of enforced disappearances.

Maqsood called on the European Parliament to enact its 2007 Resolution concerning Jammu & Kashmir by sending an independent fact-finding mission to the region. He asserted this would help EU policymakers gauge the situation on the ground and foster effective human rights practices. Concluding his remarks, he urged for genuine EU involvement based on democratic principles to promote accountability and sustainable peace in South Asia.

(With inputs from agencies.)