Skoog urges Pakistan not to try civilians in military courts, limit freedom of expression merely to protect individuals from criticism.

The European Union delegation, headed by Ambassador Olof Skoog, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, and accompanied by Dr.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has emphasized that Pakistan is a firm believer in the protection of fundamental rights and will continue to enact and strengthen human rights legislation. He was talking to EU Special Representative for Human Rights Ambassador Olaf Skoog in Islamabad.

ISLAMABAD: Commerce Ministry on Wednesday accused both rice exporters and officials from the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) of colluding to get cleared “unfit” rice consignments that had been intercepted by European Union (EU) countries.

Ambassador Olaf Skoog praised Pakistan’s active engagement with the EU and highlighted the mutual benefits of the GSP+ framework for both Pakistani exporters and European importers. He also expressed his desire for stronger collaboration between the EU and Pakistan at multilateral human rights forums.

The European Union Delegation to Pakistan hosted a pre-departure reception in honour of Pakistan’s Parliamentary Delegation in Islamabad on Friday. The Pakistan's Parliamentary delegation is scheduled to visit the Parliament and Parliamentary Budget Offices of Austria and Ireland.

Ambassador Skoog praised Pakistan’s active engagement with the EU and highlighted the mutual benefits of the GSP+ framework for both Pakistani exporters and European importers. He also expressed his desire for stronger collaboration between the EU and Pakistan at multilateral human rights forums.

On Wednesday, the committee meeting chaired by MNA Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan in the parliament house discussed the calling attention notice of Ms Sharmila Shiba Faruqui Hashaam on disruption in Pakistan’s rice exports, particularly the 72 interceptions made by the EU.

Deputy Prime Minister further highlighted Pakistan-EU’s growing cooperation in the political and economic spheres and appreciated EU’s continued support for Pakistan’s GSP plus status.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday emphasized that Pakistan was a firm believer in protection of fundamental rights and continued to enact and strengthen human rights legislation.

Discussions emphasise Pakistan’s adherence to the 27 international conventions, covering human rights, labour rights, environmental standards.

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has reiterated Pakistan's commitment to human and labor rights. He was talking to European Union Special Representative for Human Rights Olaf Skoog who called on him in Islamabad.