Sindh CM Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah recently met with a visiting European Union (EU) Monitoring Mission in Karachi, reaffirming his government’s commitment to improving human rights, labor rights, governance, environmental protection, and social development. SindhNews.com reports the seven-member EU delegation, led by Sirgio Baliberia, was in Karachi as part of the fifth Biennial Review of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) scheme.
Focus on Human Rights and Minority Protections
The discussions extensively covered human rights, minority rights including transgender protections, labor inspections, workplace safety, child rights, the environment, and the energy transition. CM Shah highlighted the Sindh Treaty Implementation Cell (TIC) role in ensuring compliance with the 27 international conventions tied to the GSP+ scheme. The EU mission’s visit to the provincial TIC office was welcomed as a chance for direct assessment.
The Sindh government reported the Sindh Human Rights Commission received 491 complaints between 2023 and 2025 – resolving half, while also disposing of 62 suo motu cases. Police training, the restoration of places of worship, and the Journalists’ Protection Commission’s work were highlighted.
Labour and Governance Reforms for GSP+
CM Shah discussed the importance of the GSP+ arrangement for Pakistan’s exports, sustainable development, and institutional reforms. He stressed that Sindh is a major export hub and that the continuation of GSP+ is crucial for job creation. Labour rights are a priority, with the Sindh Labour Department conducting 18,397 inspections in 2025. The CM said, “There is no compromise on labour rights.”
The CM stated that in 2025, the child labor rate dropped from 20.6% to 10.3%. He discussed steps like the registration of 600,000 flood-affected homes in women’s names.
A Future with the EU
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the ongoing reforms, institutional coordination, and engagement with the EU would result in a successful fifth Biennial Review. The EU delegation acknowledged Sindh’s work, particularly in human rights and social safeguards. The CM expressed the importance of collaboration with the EU and called for ongoing support to promote rights-based governance.
Conclusion
The meeting between the Sindh CM and the EU delegation highlighted the commitment to human rights, labor rights, and improved governance as a key step towards maintaining the GSP+ status, a crucial element for Sindh’s sustainable development and trade capabilities.