Pakistan: Council adopts conclusions
On 19 November 2018, the Council i adopted conclusions on Pakistan, following the general elections in July 2018.
The Council states the EU i's willingness to engage with the new government of Pakistan to support its efforts in advancing social and economic reforms, ensuring access to education, and addressing poverty and inequality through good governance and the respect of the rule of law.
The Council urges Pakistan to live up to its international commitments with regards to the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law. The Council draw particular attention to the freedom of religion or belief, abuses of the blasphemy law, the freedom of expression and media, the shrinking space for civil society, the rights of the people belonging to minorities, and women's and children's full enjoyment of their human rights.
The Council also reiterates the EU's wish to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in the fields of security and defence, sustainable development, trade and migration. The Council calls on Pakistan to step up its engagement in constructive initiatives to support peace in Afghanistan and intensify its pursuit of cooperation with neighbouring countries, which would contribute to regional stability. The Council also expresses its expectation that the new framework for engagement with Pakistan, the EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan, will be signed at the earliest possible occasion.