The European Union’s Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) outside the EU, Ambassador Frans van Daele, has wrapped up a significant week-long official visit to Pakistan. This diplomatic mission underscores the EU’s commitment to religious freedom as a cornerstone of its foreign policy and strategic engagement with Pakistan. The Special Envoy’s visit, concluded on September 13, 2024, in Islamabad, aimed to assess the state of religious freedom in Pakistan and foster respect for diverse beliefs in the country.

Engaging with High-Level Officials and Stakeholders

During his visit, Ambassador van Daele engaged in a series of high-profile meetings with key figures in Pakistan’s government and civil society. He met with Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and several federal ministers, including Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Law and Justice, Human Rights and Parliamentary Affairs, and Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs. These discussions centered on the challenges facing freedom of religion or belief in Pakistan and addressed areas of concern highlighted in the most recent GSP+ monitoring report from November 2023.

The Special Envoy’s itinerary also included meetings with religious leaders, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and human rights defenders. This comprehensive approach allowed for a holistic understanding of the religious freedom landscape in Pakistan, gathering insights from various perspectives and stakeholders.

Special Envoy Focus on Trade and Cooperation

A key aspect of Ambassador van Daele’s visit was the emphasis on Pakistan’s relationship with the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade program. The Special Envoy noted that the next GSP+ monitoring mission is expected in early 2025, a crucial milestone for Pakistan’s trade relations with the EU. He encouraged Pakistani authorities to continue implementing relevant international conventions, stressing the importance of these efforts in facilitating Pakistan’s reapplication for the trade scheme once the new GSP Regulation comes into force.

Throughout his interactions, Ambassador van Daele consistently underlined the EU’s continued support for and interest in enhanced cooperation with Pakistan. This message of collaboration and mutual benefit was a recurring theme in his discussions with various interlocutors, highlighting the EU’s commitment to fostering a strong and productive relationship with Pakistan.

Grassroots Engagement and Provincial Outreach

The Special Envoy’s visit was not limited to federal-level engagements. Ambassador van Daele began his tour in Punjab, where he engaged directly with local communities in Jaranwala and Rabwah. These grassroots interactions provided valuable insights into the lived experiences of religious minorities and the practical challenges they face in exercising their freedom of belief.

In Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab, the Special Envoy held meetings with key provincial officials. He met with Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister for Minorities Affairs in the Government of Punjab, and Dr. Usman Anwar, Inspector General of Police Punjab. These discussions likely focused on provincial-level initiatives and challenges related to religious freedom and the protection of minority rights.

The visit concluded with a meeting with Pakistan’s newly appointed Foreign Secretary, Ms. Amna Baloch, where Ambassador van Daele expressed his appreciation for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ facilitation of his visit. This final engagement underscored the diplomatic significance of the Special Envoy’s mission and the importance of continued dialogue between the EU and Pakistan on matters of religious freedom.

As the Special Envoy concludes his visit to Pakistan, the implications of this diplomatic mission extend beyond mere formalities. Ambassador van Daele’s comprehensive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders reflects the EU’s nuanced approach to promoting freedom of religion or belief globally. The visit has not only highlighted the challenges facing religious freedom in Pakistan but also reinforced the EU’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in addressing these issues.

The discussions on GSP+ and international conventions underscore the interconnectedness of trade, human rights, and religious freedom in modern diplomatic relations. As Pakistan looks towards its potential reapplication for the GSP+ scheme, the insights and recommendations from this visit may play a crucial role in shaping the country’s approach to religious freedom and human rights.

Ultimately, the Special Envoy’s visit serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of religious freedom in international relations and the EU’s active role in promoting this fundamental right. As Pakistan and the EU continue to navigate their strategic engagement, the outcomes of this visit may well influence the trajectory of their relationship, particularly in the realms of human rights, trade, and mutual cooperation.