EU Parliament’s resolution: a flawed ritual, not Pakistan's reality

Last week, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Pakistan for alleged human rights violations against minority communities, citing specific cases like that of 13-year-old Maria Shahbaz. This move, after a five-year gap, could potentially impact Pakistan’s GSP+ status, which offers preferential market access to the EU. While the resolution highlights serious concerns, critics argue it overlooks the complex political and social realities on the ground in Pakistan. The resolution may signal a renewed focus on human rights but risks being seen as another flawed ritual rather than a genuine effort to address the underlying issues.