Pakistan to get GSP Plus status for another 10 years: Punjab governor

LAHORE: The European Union (EU) would grant the GSP Plus status to Pakistan for another 10 years, a senior official said.

Talking to newsmen after inaugurating a tree plantation drive along with Begum Perveen Sarwar, at the Governor House, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar said that 2,000 saplings were being planted at the Governor House under the current campaign.

The tree plantation done in Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government had no precedent in the past, he said, adding that during his visit to Europe, he held meetings with more than 30 members of the European Parliament, including four vice presidents. The meetings had been successful in all respects, he said, adding that he was confident that despite all conspiracies of India, Pakistan would get the GSP Plus status for another 10 years.

It would provide financial benefits of more than $4 billion to Pakistan annually, Sarwar said, adding that so far the GSP Plus status had benefited the Pakistan economy with $24 billion.

During his visit to Europe, everyone appreciated Pakistan’s role in the Afghan peace process, the Punjab governor said, adding that Pakistan was playing a positive role in establishing peace in the world, including Afghanistan under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

To a question, he said, the PTI government and the establishment were on the same page and both were working together for the development and prosperity of the country.

The next general elections would be held in 2023 and the opposition parties should wait for it, he said, adding that it was really hard for any government to appease the opposition.

He advised the opposition to play its due role in strengthening democracy in the country, instead of holding unjustified street protests.

The governor said the negotiations between the government and the banned outfit Tehrik-e-Labbaik Pakistan were a good sign, as the solution to all problems lies in negotiations.

Sarwar said that inflation was a big issue at the moment; therefore, the government was going to give targeted subsidies to the people and it was trying to provide relief to as many people as possible, adding that the federal and Punjab governments have also launched public relief-oriented projects, including the Ehsaas programme.

Later, Sarwar cut a cake to celebrate Pakistan’s victory in the T20 World Cup against India and appreciated the performance of all the players.