ISLAMABAD: The European Union Mission in Pakistan on Thursday vehemently refuted claims that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had contacted the mission regarding the country’s GSP Plus status.
Samar Saeed Akhtar, a spokesperson for the EU Mission, clarified their position, stating that they haven’t received any official communication from the PTI on the matter.
The clarification comes day after a press conference by Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, wherein he accused the PTI of attempting to get Pakistan’s GSP Plus status revoked by contacting the EU. He further claimed these actions were part of a “false campaign” to harm the economy.
Responding to these accusations, PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan categorically denied them, calling them “false allegations.” He emphasized that PTI neither wrote nor intended to write any letter to the EU.
Hassan further criticized the government, specifically veteran Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, blaming his “incompetence and stubbornness” for causing delays in finalizing the IMF program. He pointed out that the IMF loan’s second tranche was only released after approval from PTI and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Hassan also took aim at the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government, accusing them of prioritizing personal gain over national welfare. He urged them to focus on the well-being of the country and its citizens.
Pakistan’s GSP Plus status, granted in 2014, is an EU program offering trade benefits like duty-free access to the European market for developing countries committed to human rights, environmental protection, and good governance.
