Kasim Khan Clarifies He Did Not Call for GSP+ Suspension at UNHRC

Kasim Khan, son of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has clarified that he did not call for the suspension of Pakistan’s GSP+ trade status during his speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), according to several reports including Dawn. Viral videos circulating on social media falsely suggested Kasim demanded the revocation of the beneficial trade arrangement with the European Union, a claim that has been thoroughly debunked.

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) condemned these false allegations, emphasizing the critical importance of the GSP+ status for Pakistan’s economy, particularly for export sectors that significantly rely on this preferential access to EU markets. FPCCI officials warned that unfounded internal accusations risk undermining a vital economic benefit and stressed the need for national unity on trade matters.

Political parties, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and opposition groups, rejected government claims implying that PTI members sought to sabotage the GSP+ status at the UNHRC summit. The PTI also condemned the arrest of party member Aliya Hamza Malik, calling it politically motivated. Fact-checking revealed that Kasim’s statements were focused on human rights issues surrounding his father’s imprisonment rather than any trade-related demands.

Kasim spoke at the UNHRC to highlight the detention conditions of Imran Khan, who is serving a 14-year corruption sentence. Kasim alleged that his father has been subjected to solitary confinement, limited visitation rights, and inadequate medical care, framing the situation as part of a broader pattern of political repression in Pakistan since 2022. His remarks aimed to draw international attention to these alleged human rights violations.

Going forward, officials and business leaders will be watching how the government addresses these misinformation claims and manages Pakistan’s GSP+ status with the EU, given its significance for the country’s export economy. The political debate over Imran Khan’s detention and the broader human rights situation remains contentious and will likely shape diplomatic and domestic developments in the coming months.