Provincial cabinet committee on GSP+ status holds its first meeting

Lahore: Chairman Cabinet Committee on GSP+ status and Minister for Industries and Commerce Ch. Muhammad Shafiq held  first meeting at Lahore today. The members of committee are Minister for Labour and Human Resource, Minister for Human Rights, Dr. Ejaz Nabi, Advisor to Chief Minister, Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiayar (MNA), Pervaiz Ahmad Malik (MNA), Dr. Ayesha Ghous Pasha, MPAs and representatives of concerned departments.  In the meeting, Secretary Industries Irfan Ali gave briefing regarding GSP+ status to the Chairman and other members of the committee.

On the occasion the provincial minister for industries, commerce and investment informed that major purpose of this committee is to monitor the performance of the provincial departments with regard to compliance with respective core (GSP+) conventions. He said that all the concerned departments must send timely and accurate reports to the federal government for onward submission to the treaty bodies. He said that all provincial departments ensure implementation of laws related to minorities, women and human rights. He further insisted on close monitoring of highly visibility issues to maintain positive image of Pakistan at international level.

Ch. Muhammad Shafiq said that monitoring liaison with convention bodies and other stake holders such as European Union diplomats is very important. He also gave directions to control and keep an eye on such elements that are trying to affect the image of Pakistan.