ISLAMABAD (AP) — The European Union on Friday warned Pakistan that its status as a duty-free exporter to the bloc will continue to depend on the progress the country makes in addressing concerns about civil and labor rights, and freedom of speech.

The European Union has cautioned Pakistan that its duty-free exporter status under the GSP+ scheme is contingent upon improvements in civil and labor rights and freedom of speech. The comment followed a visit by EU human rights representative Olof Skoog to Islamabad to discuss pressing rights issues.

The European Union Special Representative for Human Rights Olof Skoog expressed to Pakistani authorities his concern on various issues related to human rights in the Asian country during a week-long visit that ended on Friday.

Skoog urges Pakistan not to try civilians in military courts, limit freedom of expression merely to protect individuals from criticism.

The European Union Delegation to Pakistan hosted a pre-departure reception in honour of Pakistan’s Parliamentary Delegation in Islamabad on Friday. The Pakistan's Parliamentary delegation is scheduled to visit the Parliament and Parliamentary Budget Offices of Austria and Ireland.

The European Union delegation, headed by Ambassador Olof Skoog, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, and accompanied by Dr.

Ambassador Olaf Skoog praised Pakistan’s active engagement with the EU and highlighted the mutual benefits of the GSP+ framework for both Pakistani exporters and European importers. He also expressed his desire for stronger collaboration between the EU and Pakistan at multilateral human rights forums.

At least 150 Pakistanis were stranded in the city of Goma following the recent escalation of conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).A Foreign Office Spokesperson said on Thursday that with the active engagement of Pakistan's High Commissioner in Kigali,

Deputy Prime Minister further highlighted Pakistan-EU’s growing cooperation in the political and economic spheres and appreciated EU’s continued support for Pakistan’s GSP plus status.

Ambassador Skoog praised Pakistan’s active engagement with the EU and highlighted the mutual benefits of the GSP+ framework for both Pakistani exporters and European importers. He also expressed his desire for stronger collaboration between the EU and Pakistan at multilateral human rights forums.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has emphasized that Pakistan is a firm believer in the protection of fundamental rights and will continue to enact and strengthen human rights legislation. He was talking to EU Special Representative for Human Rights Ambassador Olaf Skoog in Islamabad.

The European Union has warned Pakistan that its status as a duty-free exporter to the bloc will continue to depend on the progress the country makes in addressing concerns about civil and labor rights