Kasim Khan, the son of former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, has called on the European Union to revoke Pakistan’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status, triggering widespread concern in political and economic circles.
He made the remarks while addressing a side event at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, where he appeared alongside Dr. Naseem Baloch, a leader of the Baloch National Movement (BNM). During the event, Kasim Khan urged the EU to withdraw Pakistan’s GSP+ status, citing the imprisonment of his father.
Dr. Naseem Baloch, who shared the platform with Kasim Khan, has been associated with controversial figures in the past. He is said to have been a close associate of former BLA commander Aslam Acho and is believed to have proposed the idea of a dedicated “Fidayeen wing” within the BLA — an operational unit specifically designed for suicide attacks. This concept was later implemented, resulting in the formation of the “Majeed Brigade.”
According to the European Union, GSP+ is a special incentive arrangement granted to developing countries to promote sustainable development and good governance. The scheme allows duty-free access on nearly two-thirds of tariff lines, significantly benefiting Pakistan’s exports, particularly in the textile sector.
Pakistan has been a beneficiary of GSP+ since 2014. Under this arrangement, exports to the European Union have nearly doubled, increasing from approximately €4.5 billion in 2013 to over €9–10 billion annually. The scheme accounts for nearly 30 percent of Pakistan’s total exports and supports millions of jobs, especially in the textile industry.
Analysts warn that any move to revoke GSP+ status could have serious economic consequences. These include risks to textile exports, a widening trade deficit, reduced foreign exchange inflows, and potential job losses across the country.
The development has drawn strong reactions, with critics terming the move not just irresponsible but an act that could harm Pakistan’s economic interests. Observers argue that lobbying against Pakistan’s trade benefits at international forums prioritizes political objectives over the economic well-being of millions.
Experts also caution that such statements, made on global platforms like the UN Human Rights Council, can shape international perceptions about Pakistan’s governance and stability. They warn that campaigns perceived as undermining national economic interests could increase external pressure and damage the country’s global image.
Dr. Naseem Baloch has long been active in international advocacy regarding Balochistan and has consistently raised human rights concerns while calling for external pressure on Pakistan. Dr Naseem narrative is aligned with separatist narratives and overlook violence carried out by militant groups such as BLA and BLF.
At a time when Pakistan’s economy is undergoing a phase of recovery, any attempt to undermine external trade concessions is effectively a direct attack on national interests.
This was stated by Rana Ahsan Afzal, who strongly reacted to reports regarding lobbying efforts aimed at revoking Pakistan’s GSP+ status.
He said the appeal by Imran Khan’s sons to push for the withdrawal of Pakistan’s GSP+ status is not merely irresponsible—it places personal political interests above the economic survival of millions. According to him, such actions cannot be framed as dissent or democratic expression, but rather reflect a calculated attempt to internationalize domestic political disputes at the cost of Pakistan’s economic stability, global credibility, and future.
Rana Ahsan Afzal termed the move not as opposition politics but as outright economic sabotage, adding that no state can tolerate individuals who seek to use foreign platforms against their own country for personal or political gains.
