Pakistan’s existing Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status will remain valid until December 31, 2028, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani told the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance on Tuesday.

The announcement came as lawmakers discussed concerns over Pakistan’s future access to preferential trade arrangements with the European Union (EU).

Committee Chairman Syed Naveed Qamar described the programme’s future as uncertain and stressed the need for reforms to protect Pakistan’s position.

Kayani said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was regularly holding meetings to ensure the country meets the required conditions and retains its preferential trade access.

Pakistan has benefited from GSP+ since 2014, allowing eligible exports, particularly textiles and clothing, to enter European markets at reduced or zero customs duties.

However, the EU approved a revised GSP framework in 2026, requiring Pakistan to secure continued eligibility beyond December 31, 2028, instead of automatically retaining its existing beneficiary status.

The Pakistan Textile Council has recently urged the prime minister to coordinate federal and provincial efforts to meet the EU’s requirements.

These include commitments relating to human rights, labour rights, environmental protection and the rule of law.

The stakes are significant for Pakistan’s export sector. According to the EU’s 2026 assessment, Pakistan exported €7.5 billion worth of GSP+-eligible goods to the bloc in 2024 and received an estimated €732 million in tariff exemptions.