Recent claims circulating on social media suggested that Kasim Khan, son of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, called for the revocation of Pakistan’s GSP+ trade status during his address at the United Nations Human Rights Council. However, these claims have been proven false.
In reality, Kasim Khan clearly rejected such allegations and reaffirmed his support for maintaining Pakistan’s GSP+ (Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus) status. Speaking after his address, he emphasized that the people of Pakistan should not suffer due to political issues or leadership decisions.
In his official statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Kasim clarified that his speech focused on human rights concerns, including the call for the release of his father and other political prisoners. He further highlighted that while GSP+ benefits should continue, Pakistan must also uphold the international commitments required to retain this status.
The GSP+ programme, granted by the European Union, allows Pakistan to export goods with reduced or zero tariffs, significantly benefiting the country’s economy. However, it requires compliance with 27 international conventions, including human rights and governance standards.
Kasim Khan stressed that maintaining GSP+ is essential for economic stability and public welfare. At the same time, he called on authorities to ensure full compliance with international treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention Against Torture.
This clarification highlights how misinformation can quickly spread online, especially regarding sensitive political and economic issues. Verified statements confirm that Kasim Khan did not advocate for revoking Pakistan’s GSP+ status but instead supported its continuation alongside responsible governance.
