Islamabad (TDI): A delegation of the European Union, led by the Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the Countries of South Asia, Șerban Dimitrie Sturdza, visited the Federal Minister for Law, Justice, and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar, to discuss human rights in Pakistan.
EU’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Riina Kionka, was also part of the delegartion, along with Members of the European Parliament Michael McNamara (Renew, Ireland), Ruth Firmenich (NI, Germany), Cristina Stanculescu, Songul Dogan, and Liviu Adrian Natea.
The Federal Minister briefed the delegation about various initiatives that are underway and have been taken for better human security and provision of rights to vulnerable groups.
A delegation from the @EUPakistan, led by Mr. Șerban Dimitrie Sturdza, Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the Countries of South Asia, met Federal Minister for Human Rights, Senator @AzamNazeerTarar. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening Pakistan-EU pic.twitter.com/sZn5ou0dZ8
— Ministry of Human Rights (@mohrpakistan) April 14, 2025
Minister Tarar particularly apprised the delegation about the “proposed establishment of a National Commission for Minorities.”
The delegation appreciated the efforts of the Ministry, reviewed progress under the GSP+ status, reaffirmed support for Pakistan “through existing dialogue mechanisms,” and reiterated commitment for stronger EU-Pakistan relations.
The European Union regularly cooperates with Pakistan for improving the state of human rights in the country.
Most recently, the EU partnered with the United Nation Development Program (UNDP) to support the National Commission for Human Rights in organizing a two-day National Conference on Justice System Reforms, in Islamabad.
Read More: Islamabad Hosts National Conference on Justice Reforms, Inclusivity and Accountability
The bilateral relations between Pakistan and the EU are guided by the EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan, which was signed in June 2019.
This plan is a comprehensive framework for cooperation in peace and security, democracy, human rights, rule of law, good governance, trade and investment, migration and mobility, sustainable development, science and technology, and education and culture.
Currently, the EU is supporting human rights efforts in Pakistan under the flag of Huqooq e Pakistan II.
Nuzhat Rana is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
