Resolution on Pakistan, notably the situation of human rights defenders and the death penalty

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Pakistan, notably the situation of human rights defenders and the death penalty.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, Greens/EFA and EFDD groups.

Parliament expressed deep concern at the reports of the use of the death penalty in Pakistan following flawed trials, the execution of minors and persons with mental disorders, and allegations of torture. Pakistan now has one of the largest death row populations in the world.

Reiterating the EU’s strong opposition to the death penalty, Members called on Pakistan to reinstate the moratorium, with the longer-term objective of full abolition of the death penalty.

Parliament is deeply concerned at the continued use of the ‘blasphemy law’, which carries a mandatory death sentence. It called on the Pakistani Government to put in place effective procedural and institutional safeguards to prevent the misuse of ‘blasphemy’ charges.

In general, Members deplored the roll-back in Pakistan over respect for human rights and the rule of law, and in particular the increase in extrajudicial killings and the intimidation of and use of force against journalists, human rights defenders, NGOs and critics of the government. They called on the government to:

• take urgent action to protect the lives and rights of journalists and bloggers;
• amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 and to remove the overly wide-ranging provisions for monitoring and retaining data and shutting down websites on the basis of vague criteria.

Parliament also recalled that the granting of GSP+ status is conditional and that the effective implementation of international conventions is an essential requirement under the scheme. It urged the Commission and the EEAS to raise these issues with the Pakistani authorities during the regular Human Rights Dialogue.