Azam Nazeer Tarar briefs MEPs on Pakistan’s legal framework and cyber laws as both sides call for greater dialogue and parliamentary engagement.
ISLAMABAD, September 24, 2026: Federal Minister for Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar held talks with a European Parliamentary delegation led by Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Marry Khan on Pakistan-European Union relations, human rights, legal affairs, GSP+ and regional geopolitical developments.
The meeting also covered other matters of mutual interest. The delegation included Dennis Hohloch, Stanislav Stoyanov, Tomasz Froelich, Dan Paddock and Moses, according to Pakistan’s Press Information Department.
Pakistan briefs European delegation on human rights
Senator Tarar briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s constitutional and legal framework, human rights and relevant legislation, while presenting Islamabad’s perspective on issues under discussion.
The minister emphasised that Pakistan’s domestic and legal matters should be considered within their constitutional, legal, social and regional context.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices over several decades in combating terrorism and extremism, saying these circumstances should be taken into account when assessing human rights and security-related issues.
Senator Tarar said Pakistan’s legal system operates according to constitutional requirements, domestic legislation and local realities. He also stated that constitutional and legal safeguards are available for protecting the rights of religious groups.
Minister explains Pakistan’s cyber laws
The minister also briefed the European parliamentarians on Pakistan’s cyber laws.
He explained that the legislation covers areas including freedom of expression, access to information, cyber offences and financial fraud.
According to the minister, Pakistan has conducted a comparative review of its cyber laws against relevant legislation in Europe, the Far East and North America.
He offered to share the comparative review with the European delegation to facilitate a better understanding of Pakistan’s legal framework.
European delegation calls for greater engagement
Members of the European Parliamentary delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s geostrategic importance and the challenges facing the country in the region.
They stressed the need to strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and Europe in view of shared interests and common challenges.
The parliamentarians also highlighted the importance of considering Pakistan’s human rights issues within their cultural, historical and geographical context.
The delegation called for meaningful dialogue between Pakistan and the European Union on human rights, GSP+ and other matters, while stressing the importance of presenting Pakistan’s perspective more effectively before the European Parliament.
Proposal for European Parliament conference
The European delegation also called for greater engagement and dialogue to address existing misunderstandings between Pakistan and Europe.
It proposed holding a conference at the European Parliament to promote a better understanding of Pakistan’s position and perspectives.
The proposal comes as Pakistan and the EU continue discussions on their broader economic and political relationship. In June 2026, both sides reaffirmed the importance of cooperation under the GSP+ framework, while Pakistan expressed interest in joining the EU’s new GSP+ scheme and agreed to continue working with the EU to fulfil the relevant conditions.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has also said GSP+ remains central to the country’s economic relationship with the EU and that Islamabad will remain engaged with the bloc on implementation of the international conventions underpinning the framework.
Pakistan-EU relations
Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening mutual understanding, parliamentary engagement and bilateral relations through continued dialogue and cooperation.
The discussions brought human rights, legal issues, GSP+ and regional developments together as key areas for continued Pakistan-EU engagement.