ILO conventions
ILO conventions THE European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) is a special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance that supports vulnerable developing countries.
Pakistan has GSP+ status since January 2014 and can benefit from preferential access to the European market. In compliance with GSP regulations, Pakistan has ratified all 27 core international conventions on human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and good governance. Total EU imports from Pakistan amounted to €6.6 billion in 2021, of which €4.7bn benefited from GSP+ tariffs. This makes Pakistan the largest beneficiary among all GSP+ beneficiary countries. However, exports to EU have dipped by over 4.41 per cent in FY23 due to a slump in demand for Pakistani goods in Germany and Netherlands.
Pakistan’s most important export products are trousers, linen, t-shirts, and pullovers made from cotton, but also medical instruments and appliances. Rice is the main agricultural product for export. The top export destinations for Pakistan are Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and Belgium.
The monitoring priorities for getting the GSP+ incentives include (1) Human rights (2) Labour rights (3) Environmental protection and (4) Good governance. EU is considering extending the current GSP+ for Pakistan and other countries until 2027 with the same regulations.
Pakistan’s Engagement with International Labour Standards
Pakistan’s Membership in the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
Pakistan has been an active member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) since its inception in 1947. Over the years, Pakistan has demonstrated its commitment to international labor standards by ratifying a significant number of ILO conventions.
Ratification of ILO Conventions
To date, Pakistan has ratified 36 ILO conventions, signifying its dedication to upholding international labor standards. Among these conventions are eight out of the ten fundamental conventions, which encompass core labor principles. Additionally, Pakistan has ratified two governance conventions, emphasizing its commitment to the principles of labor governance.
Challenges in Compliance
Despite its ratification of these important ILO conventions, Pakistan still faces challenges in fully complying with international labor standards, particularly concerning the two fundamental conventions: the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No 87), and the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No 98).
Compliance with these conventions remains a significant concern. Ensuring freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining is essential for workers’ rights and labor rights protections. The challenges that Pakistan faces in this regard may include issues related to labor unions, workers’ rights to organize, and the ability to engage in collective bargaining with employers.
Efforts and Progress
While challenges persist, it’s important to note that Pakistan has made efforts to address these issues and improve compliance with ILO standards. Ongoing dialogue and cooperation with the ILO and other stakeholders can play a crucial role in addressing the compliance challenges.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s membership in the ILO and its ratification of numerous conventions underscore its commitment to international labor standards. However, the country still faces challenges in achieving full compliance, especially in the context of the Freedom of Association and Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining conventions. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure the protection of workers’ rights and the promotion of fair labor practices in Pakistan.
In addition, there are 22 recommendations of the CEACR on which Pakistan is required to submit a report to ILO by February 2026 and to the EU by 2027. The government has committed to doing so in consultation with the tripartite constituents.
It appears an uphill task for the government. Which has allowed federal labour laws to become obsolete since devolution in 2010.
