ISLAMABAD: Qasim Khan, son of former prime minister Imran Khan, urged the European Union to reconsider Pakistan’s GSP+ trade status.
The development has drawn sharp criticism from economic and political circles, especially at a time when Pakistan’s economy is undergoing a fragile recovery. Analysts warn that any attempt to jeopardize international trade concessions could directly harm national economic interests.
The GSP+ status, which grants Pakistan preferential access to European markets, is considered vital for the country’s export sector—particularly textiles and supports millions of jobs. Experts argue that undermining such a framework could disrupt export flows, weaken investor confidence, and strain foreign exchange earnings.
Critics have described the reported appeal as not only irresponsible but also potentially damaging, alleging it prioritizes personal or political considerations over the economic well-being of millions of citizens.
They further contend that such actions cannot be framed as democratic dissent or freedom of expression. Instead, they see it as an attempt to internationalize domestic political disputes in a manner that risks Pakistan’s economic stability, global reputation, and future growth prospects.
Government-aligned voices have gone as far as labeling the move “economic sabotage,” arguing that no state can afford efforts that invite external pressure against its own economic framework.
There has been no formal response yet from Qasim Khan regarding the criticism.
