2013/2168(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Draft opinion
Paragraph A

A. Whereas Pakistan is a semi- industrialised, lower middle-income country with around one third of its population living below the poverty line; whereas Pakistan ranks 146th out of 187 countries in the 2012 Human Development Index (HDI), down from 145th position in 2011; whereas the economic situation of Pakistan has been harmed by successive natural disasters, and whereas a high level of insecurity, instability and widespread corruption in the country weaken its economic growth and limit the government's ability to develop the state;

Amendment 10 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Welcomes the democratic consolidation that was demonstrated by the first-ever peaceful transition of power from one democratically elected government to another after general elections in May 2013, but raises concerns about the volatile security situation, the risk of Islamic radicalism and the continued terrorist attacks targeting ~~both Christian and Muslim communitie~~moderate Muslims and religious minority communities such as Ahmadis, Shiites and Christians;

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5 a. Reiterates its deep concern that the blasphemy laws – which can carry the death sentence in Pakistan and are often used to justify censorship, criminalisation, persecution and, in certain cases, the murder of members of political and religious minorities – are open to a misuse that affects people of all faiths in Pakistan; underlines that the refusal to reform or repeal the blasphemy laws creates an environment of persistent vulnerability for minority communities; calls on the Pakistani government to implement a moratorium on the use of these laws, as a first step towards their revision and to investigate and prosecute, as appropriate, campaigns of intimidation, threats, and violence against Christians, Ahmadis, and other vulnerable groups.

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5 a. Takes note that the Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud was killed by a US operated drone on 4 November 2013, while the Pakistani Parliament and the new government have formally opposed such interventions; underlines that under these circumstances such drone attacks, which reportedly have killed hundreds of civilians in Pakistan alone, have to be considered a breach of international law, should be halted and the limits to the use of drone attacks should be framed more clearly in international law;

Amendment 13 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5 b. Underlines that it is essential to ensure that disaster risk reduction and disaster preparedness are scaled up and mainstreamed into humanitarian response, increasing beneficiaries' resilience to future disasters; calls on the European Commission to continue to promote a coordinated approach and response with existing humanitarian mechanisms at international and local level;

Amendment 14 #

Nirj DEVA, Jan ZAHRADIL

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Encourages Pakistan to play a constructive role in a region facing serious geopolitical challenges; welcomes the improvement of India-Pakistan relations over the past 12 months, the new VISA agreement which represents an important step in growing interaction between the two countries and calls for continued efforts on both sides at rapprochement;

Amendment 15 #

Nirj DEVA, Jan ZAHRADIL

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6 a. Stresses the regional importance of stable Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and calls on Pakistan to normalise its relations with Afghanistan; calls on Pakistan to withdraw its patronage of the Afghan Taliban, to stop giving sanctuary and sustenance to Afghan insurgents and to re-establish control in the region bordering Afghanistan as its long-term national security interests are best served by a peaceful, moderate and prosperous Afghanistan;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Notes that the EU is the major export partner for Pakistani goods (22.6 % in 2012); ~~calls for~~deems that EU trade-related support to Pakistan ~~to continue with a view to helping the country to integrate fully into the world’s~~ should help to promote the processing and diversification of production, assist regional integration and tecohno~~my, to diversify its export base and to expand significantly its exports of goods and services.~~logy transfers, and help facilitate the establishment or development of domestic productive capacity and reduce income inequality;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7 a. Calls on the Pakistani authorities to take effective steps towards the implementation of the 36 ILO Conventions which the country has ratified in order, notably, to allow labour unions to operate, to improve work conditions and safety standards, to eradicate child labour and to combat the most severe forms of exploitation of the some 3 million female domestic workers;

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph A a (new)

A a. whereas Pakistan is vulnerable to a wide range of hazards, predominantly floods and earthquakes; whereas the volatile security situation, together with Pakistan's social challenges, are working as a catalyst in increasing its vulnerability; whereas multiple years of disasters have exhausted the coping strategies of already impoverished communities and severely reduced their resilience to future disasters;

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph A b (new)

A b. whereas the aim of the EU-Pakistan 5 year Engagement Plan is to build a strategic relationship and forge a partnership for peace and development rooted in shared values and principles;

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Recalls that unequal feudalistic land ownership in rural Pakistan remains unaddressed, with 2.5 % of the population owning over 40 % of the land and with nearly half of the rural population owning nothing at all; stresses that landlessness and lack of access to irrigation water and other production facilities perpetuate rural poverty and social instability; underlines that access to secure, affordable, clean and sustainable energy, safe drinking water, sustainable services for health and education, as well as security are crucial for improving the lives of the Pakistani people and the long-term development of the country;

Amendment 5 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Underlines that a proactive human rights agenda - including, inter alia, measures to end sectarian attacks, protect religious minorities and women's rights, ensure media freedom, end counter- terrorism abuses and restore the moratorium on the death penalty - is essential for Pakistan's development;

Amendment 6 #

Nirj DEVA, Jan ZAHRADIL

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Is concerned with the extremely low tax revenue, which amounted to only 9.1% of GDP in 2011 - one of the lowest ratios in the world; is of the view that fundamental tax reform is required in order to boost public finances, especially spending on health, education and welfare;

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Remains deeply concerned about the alarming situation of women in Pakistan; calls for concrete and visible measures to enforce women’s fundamental rights in the society, including enacting legislation against domestic violence and taking measures to improve investigation and prosecution of honour killings and acid attacks, as well as a revision of the legislation that facilitates impunity; points out the need to ensure better access to education and better integration of women in the labour market, as well as improving maternal healthcare;

Amendment 8 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Remains deeply concerned about the quality of education and in a related manner the alarming situation of women in many parts of Pakistan; calls for concrete and visible measures to enhance education based on international standards for curricula and teacher training and to enforce women’'s fundamental rights in the society;

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Notes that the EU, as a major donor, remains committed to assisting Pakistan in achieving its long-term development goals and ensuring sustained and broad-based economic growth; recalls the EU-Pakistan five-year engagement plan of March 2012, containing priorities such as good governance, cooperation in the field of women’s empowerment, energy and sustainable agriculture, as well as and dialogue on human rights;

source: PE-523.082

2014/01/09 AFET 58 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)

- having regard to EU Regulation 978/2012 on the General System of Preferences and notably the special incentive arrangement for 'sustainable development and good governance' ("GSP+"),

Amendment 10 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas Pakistan has one of the highest out-of-school population in the world with an estimated 12 million children not attending school and about two third of Pakistani women and half of Pakistani men being illiterate; whereas the country is still ranked 134 out of 135 countries in the World Economic Forum's 'gender gap' report;

Amendment 11 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)

Cb. whereas Pakistan is among the twelve countries most affected by climate change in the last twenty years, according to the Global Climate Risk Index, has been victim of severe flooding and water shortage and is directly affected by the glacial retreat on the Himalayas and Karakorum ranges;

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas Pakistan’'s constructive contribution is vital for achieving reconciliation, peace and political stability in its neighbourhood and, most notably, in Afghanistan, especially in the context of the planned withdrawal of NATO combat troops in 2014;

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

Da. whereas Pakistan is one of the largest recipients of EU development and humanitarian assistance, and whereas the EU is Pakistan's largest export market;

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)

Db. whereas Pakistan is an increasingly important partner of the EU in combating terrorism, nuclear proliferation, human and drug trafficking, organized crime, and in the pursuit of regional stability;

Amendment 15 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)

Dc. whereas the EU and Pakistan have recently chosen to deepen and broaden their bilateral ties, as exemplified by the 5-year engagement plan, launched in February 2012, and the first EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, held in June 2012;

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D d (new)

Dd. whereas the Pakistani government has formally submitted a resolution to the UN General Assembly on 19 December clarifying that Pakistan is clearly opposing US drone strikes on its territory;

Amendment 17 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D e (new)

De. whereas starting on 1 January 2014 Pakistan is now integrated into the EU's special General System of Trade Preferences (GSP+);

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D f (new)

Df. whereas in September 2012 Ali Enterprises factory in Karachi was devastated by a fire, resulting in the death of 286 trapped workers, producing jeans for the European market, whereas the integration of Pakistan into the GSP plus scheme could boost production in the textile sector and make improvements of labour rights and production conditions ever more important;

Amendment 19 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Underscores the significance of the March 2013 elections for the consolidation of democracy and civilian rule in Pakistan; encourages Pakistani political elites to use this momentum to further strengthen democratic institutions, ~~civilian control and the rule of law~~the rule of law, civilian control over all areas of public administration, especially the security forces and the judiciary, promote internal and regional security, enact governance reforms to revive economic growth ~~and~~, transparency and the fight against organised crime, alleviate social injustices, and ~~rectify continuing~~halt and remedy all human rights abuses;

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)

- having regard to Annex VIII of the above regulation listing the UN/ILO Conventions on core human and labour rights and those related to the environment and to governance principles, which Pakistan has ratified and has agreed to effectively implement,

Amendment 20 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Takes the view, however, that~~Acknowledges however, that accomplishing greater social justice, eradicating deep poverty and malnutrition in parts of the country, raising the basic education level, preparing the country for the effects of climate change and building a sustainable democracy and a pluralistic society will entail deep and difficult reforms of Pakistan’'s political and socio- economic order, which remains characterised by feudalistic structures of land ownership and political allegiances, imbalances in priorities between military spending and welfare provision, and a dysfunctional revenue collection system that systematically undercuts the state’'s capacity to deliver public goods;

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Takes the view~~, however, that~~ that local administrations should be strengthened as building a sustainable democracy and pluralistic society will entail deep and difficult reforms of Pakistan’s political and socio- economic order, which remains characterised by feudalistic structures of land ownership and political allegiances, imbalances in priorities between military spending and welfare provision, and a revenue collection system that systematically undercuts the state’s capacity to deliver public goods;

Amendment 22 #

Adam BIELAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Takes the view, however, that building a sustainable democracy and pluralistic society will entail deep and difficult reforms of Pakistan’s political and socio- economic order, which remains characterised by feudalistic structures of land ownership and political allegiances, imbalances in priorities between military spending and welfare provision, education and economic development, and a revenue collection system that systematically undercuts the state’s capacity to deliver public goods;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Supports and encourages the Pakistani Government to develop effective means to prevent and monitor the possibility of future natural disasters and for a better coordination and cooperation of humanitarian aid with local actors, international NGOs and fundraisers;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Reiterates that good governance, accountable and inclusive institutions, separation of powers and respect for fundamental rights are ~~the most effective framework for~~important elements to address~~ing~~ the nexus of development and security in Pakistan; further believes that elected civilian governments, endowed with democratic legitimacy, devolution of power to the provinces and effective local government are best positioned to contain the tide of violence and extremism, restore state authority in the FATA areas, and ensure Pakistan’'s sovereignty and territorial integrity;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Supports, in this context, the intent of the Pakistani Government to enter into a peace dialogue with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), provided this paves the way for a political and lasting solution to the insurgency and a stable democratic order, respecting human rights; appeals however to the negotiators to take into account that the educational level - in particular of women - is an absolutely decisive element for the advancement of societies and to make schooling of girls an essential element in the negotiations; appreciates Pakistan’s continued commitment to fight terrorism on both sides of its border, and encourages the authorities to take bolder steps to further limit the possibilities for the recruitment and training of terrorists on Pakistan’s territory;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Supports, in this context, the intent of the Pakistani Government to enter into a peace dialogue with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), provided this paves the way for a political and lasting solution to the insurgency and a stable democratic order; appreciates Pakistan’'s continued commitment to fight terrorism on both sides of its border, and encourages the authorities to take bolder steps to further limit the possibilities for the recruitment and training of terrorists on Pakistan’'s territory, which constitutes a phenomenon that makes of certain areas of Pakistan a safe haven for terrorist organisations whose aim is to destabilise the country and the region, most importantly Afghanistan;

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Takes note that the Pakistani government has clearly expressed its opposition to US drone strikes on its territory; believes therefore that such strikes are not reconcilable with international law and should be halted immediately; welcomes the UNGA resolution which calls for further clarification on the legal framework applicable for the use of armed drones;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes Pakistan’s contribution to state-building and reconciliation processes in Afghanistan, including assistance in facilitating the restart of peace talks; expects Pakistan’s positive attitude to continue in the run-up to Afghanistan’s presidential elections and beyond; ~~warns, however, against escalated~~expresses concern about geopolitical competition among neighbouring powers over influence in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of NATO combat troops;

Amendment 29 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. ~~Expects Pakistan to play a~~Sets its hope in Pakistan's constructive role in promoting regional stability, in~~ter alia by supporting~~cluding when it comes to the presence of NATO and EU Member States in post- 2014 Afghanistan, by further advancing the trialogue format of engagement in Afghanistan with India, Turkey, China, Russia and the United Kingdom, and by fostering regional cooperation in the fight against the trafficking of people, drugs, and goods;

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 6

– having regard to its resolutions of 7 February 2013 on recent attacks on medical aid workers in Pakistan3, of 13 September 2012 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council introducing emergency autonomous trade preferences for Pakistan4, of 15 December 2011 on the situation of women in Afghanistan and Pakistan5, ~~__________________ 3 4 5~~and also its Human Rights Subcommittee Delegation to Pakistan in August 2013, __________________ 3 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0060. Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0060. 4 OJ C 353 E, 3.12.2013, p. 323. OJ C 353 E, 3.12.2013, p. 323. 5 OJ C 168 E, 14.6.2013, p. 119. OJ C 168 E, 14.6.2013, p. 119.

Amendment 30 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Is encouraged by recent tangible progress in the dialogue between Pakistan and India, especially as regards trade and people-to-people contacts, made possible by the constructive attitude of both parties; regrets that achievements of the dialogue remain vulnerable to contingent events, such as ~~the~~ongoing incident ~~of 6 August 2013~~s on the Line of Control separating Pakistan- occupied and Indian-occupied parts of Kashmir; asks both governments to ensure appropriate chains of command, accountability of military staff, and military-to-military dialogue, in order to avoid similar incidents in the future;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Recognises Pakistan’s legitimate interest in building up strategic, economic and energy ties with China; considers it important, however, that closer Pakistani- Chinese relations reinforce, rather than undermine, geopolitical stability in South Asia;deleted

Amendment 32 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Recognises Pakistan’s legitimate interest in building up strategic, economic and energy ties with China; considers it important~~, however,~~ that closer Pakistani- Chinese relations reinforce, rather than undermine, geopolitical stability in South Asia;

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Takes note of Pakistan's pursuit of full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a welcome sign of the country's ambition to become more involved in multilateral initiatives; notes, however, the absence of formal cooperation mechanism between the SCO and the EU, and points to divergences in their respective normative bases and outlooks on global issues;

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. ICalls con~~cerned by reports that~~ Pakistan ias considering exporting nuclear weapons to third countries, in particular Saudi Arabia; expects the EU and its Members States, despite official denials of the reports, to it make clear to Pakistan that the export of nuclear weapons is unacceptablea nuclear weapon state, to legally ban exports of all nuclear weapons related know how or material and to actively contribute to possible international efforts for the reduction and eventual elimination of all nuclear weapons;

Amendment 35 #

Elena BĂSESCU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Is concerned by reports that Pakistan is considering exporting nuclear weapons to third countries, in particular Saudi Arabia or North Korea; expects the EU and its Members States, despite official denials of the reports, to it make clear to Pakistan that the export of nuclear weapons is unacceptable;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Is concerned by reports that Pakistan is considering exporting nuclear weapons to third countries, in particular Saudi Arabia; expects the EU and its Members States, despite official denials of the reports, to it make clear to Pakistan that the export of nuclear weapons is unacceptable; in this regard, urges the Government of Pakistan to consider signature and ratification of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT); is of the view that accession to the NPT would steer Pakistan's credibility vis-à-vis its international partners and global institutions and would additionally signal its commitment to peaceful regional co- existence with its neighbours and would contribute to the security of the whole region;

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. RBelieves that the battle against extremism and radicalism is directly linked with stronger democratic process and reaffirms the EU’s strong interest in, and continued support for, a democratic, secure and well-governed Pakistan, with independent judicial system and good governance that upholds the rule of law and human rights, enjoys friendly relations with neighbours and projects a stabilising influence in the region;

Amendment 38 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Recalls that EU-Pakistan relations traditionally developed inside a framework focused on development and trade; appreciates the significant and enduring contribution of EU development and humanitarian cooperation, and welcomes the prospective eligibility of Pakistan to benefit from the EU’s GSP Plus as from 2014; invites however the Commission to guarantee that enhanced monitoring is being strictly applied as foreseen under the new GSP Regulation;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Recalls that EU-Pakistan relations traditionally developed inside a framework focused on development and trade; appreciates the significant and enduring contribution of EU development and humanitarian cooperation, and ~~welcomes the prospective eligibility of Pakistan to benefit from the EU’s GSP Plus as from 2014~~underlines that cooperation particularly in the sectors of education, democracy building and climate change adaption should continue to receive primary focus;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)

- having regard to the September 18 report by UN Special rapporteur on Human Rights and Counterterrorism, Ben Emmerson, on "Promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism", and the September 13 report by UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions, Christof Heyns, on "Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions",

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Is convinced that EU-Pakistan relations need to grow deeper and more comprehensive by developing political dialogue thereby maintaining a relationship of mutual interest amongst equal partners; welcomes, in this context, the adoption of the 5-year Engagement Plan and the commencement of the EU- Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, reflecting the increased weight of political and security cooperation, including on counter- terrorism policy, disarmament and non- proliferation; expects, however, more progress in all areas of the Engagement Plan;

Amendment 41 #

Elena BĂSESCU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Is convinced that EU-Pakistan relations need to grow deeper and more comprehensive; welcomes, in this context, the adoption of the 5-year Engagement Plan and the commencement of the EU- Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, reflecting the increased weight of political and security cooperation, including on counter- terrorism policy, disarmament and non- proliferation, as well as on migration, education and culture; expects, however, more progress in all areas of the Engagement Plan;

Amendment 42 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Encourages both the EU and Pakistan to cooperate in the implementation process with follow-up of the progress on regular basis by strengthening the dialogue between both on the long term;

Amendment 43 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Considers that Pakistan’s democratic transition has engendersed an opportunity for the EU to follow a more explicitly political approach in bilateral relations and provision of assistance; believes that EU support to Pakistan should prioritize the consolidation of democratic institutions at all levels, strengthening of state capacity and good governance, build-up of effective law enforcement and civilian counter-terrorism structures, including an independent judiciary, and empowerment of civil society and free media;

Amendment 44 #

Michael GAHLER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Welcomes in this regard the already existing comprehensive democracy support programmes in connection with the implementation of the 2008 and 2013 recommendations of the EU election observation missions;

Amendment 45 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Invites the EEAS and the Commission to ~~formulat~~pursue a nuanced and multi- dimensional policy towards Pakistan that synergises all the relevant instruments at the EU’s disposal, such as political dialogue, security cooperation, trade, and assistance, in line with the EU’s comprehensive approach to external action and in view of preparations for ~~the~~a next EU-Pakistan summit;

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Further asks the EEAS, the Commission and the Council to ensure that EU policy towards Pakistan is contextualised and embedded in a broader strategy for the region, thereby reinforcing EU interests ~~in Afghan~~across South and Central Asia; considers it important that EU bilateral relations with Pakistan, and ~~across South as well as Central Asia~~neighbouring countries, in particular India, China and Iran, also serve to discuss and coordinate policies with respect to the situation in Afghanistan, to ensure a targeted approach; stresses, in this regard, the need for increased EU-US policy coordination and dialogue on regional issues;

Amendment 47 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. RFirmly reiterates that progress in bilateral relations is linked to improvement in Pakistan’'s human rights record, in particular as regards eradicating modern- day slavery, curbing gender-based violence, enhancing women’s and girls' rights, including that of access to education, promoting tolerance and protection of vulnerable minorities, preserving freedom of religion and belief, including by easing the strict anti- blasphemy legislation, and moving towards abolition of the death penalty;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Reiterates that progress in bilateral relations is linked to improvement in Pakistan’s human rights record, in particular as regards eradicating ~~modern- day slavery~~bonded labour, curbing gender-based violence, enhancing women’s rights, including that of access to education, promoting tolerance and protection of vulnerable minorities, preserving freedom of religion and belief, including by easing the strict anti- blasphemy legislation, and moving towards abolition of the death penalty;

Amendment 49 #

Elena BĂSESCU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Reiterates that progress in bilateral relations is linked to improvement in Pakistan’s human rights record, in particular as regards eradicating modern- day slavery, curbing gender-based violence, enhancing women’s rights, including that of access to education, promoting tolerance and protection of vulnerable minorities, by effectively fighting all forms of discrimination, preserving freedom of religion and belief, including by easing the strict anti- blasphemy legislation, and moving towards abolition of the death penalty;

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 b (new)

- having regard to the resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on 19 December 2013 on Promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism,

Amendment 50 #

Adam BIELAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Reiterates that progress in bilateral relations is linked to improvement in Pakistan’s human rights record, in particular as regards eradicating modern- day slavery and people trafficking, curbing gender-based violence, enhancing women’s rights, including that of access to education, promoting tolerance and protection of vulnerable minorities, preserving freedom of religion and belief, including by easing the strict anti- blasphemy legislation, and moving towards abolition of the death penalty;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Reiterates that progress in bilateral relations is linked to improvement in Pakistan’s human rights record, in particular as regards eradicating modern- day slavery, child labour, curbing gender- based violence, enhancing women’s rights, including that of access to education, promoting tolerance and protection of vulnerable minorities, women and children at risk, ensuring freedom of speech and independent media, preserving freedom of religion and belief, including tolerance of religious diversity at all levels and by easing the strict anti-blasphemy legislation, and moving towards abolition of the death penalty;

Amendment 52 #

Zbigniew ZIOBRO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Reiterates that progress in bilateral relations is linked to improvement in Pakistan’s human rights record, in particular as regards eradicating modern- day slavery, curbing gender-based violence, enhancing women’s rights, including that of access to education, promoting tolerance and protection of ~~vulnerable minorities,~~Christians and vulnerable religious minorities; expects Pakistan to intensify its efforts to preserv~~ing~~e freedom of religion and belief, including by easing the strict anti-blasphemy legislation, and moving towards abolition of the death penalty; at the same time condemns all attacks on Christians living in Pakistan;

Amendment 53 #

Marietta GIANNAKOU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Reiterates that progress in bilateral relations is linked to improvement in Pakistan’s human rights record, in particular as regards eradicating modern- day slavery, curbing gender-based violence, enhancing women’s rights, including that of access to education, promoting tolerance and protection of vulnerable minorities, preserving freedom of religion and belief, including by easing the strict anti-blasphemy legislation, taking measures in response to the growing flood of migrants and moving towards abolition of the death penalty;

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Reiterates that progress in bilateral relations is linked to improvement in Pakistan’s human rights record, in particular as regards eradicating modern- day slavery, curbing gender-based violence, enhancing women’s rights, including that of access to education, promoting tolerance and protection of vulnerable minorities, preserving freedom of religion and belief, including by easing the strict anti-blasphemy legislation, and moving towards abolition of the death penalty; recognises that this requires the development of a reliable legal and judicial system at all levels, which is accessible to all;

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Calls particularly on the Pakistani authorities: to apprehend and prosecute those inciting violence, or who are responsible for violent attacks on schools or minority groups such as Shia, including the Hazara community, Ahmadis, and Christians and to instruct the security forces to actively protect those facing attacks from extremist groups; to enact laws against domestic violence; to end enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detentions notably in Balochistan;

Amendment 56 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)

17b. Welcomes the adoption of the bill to create a National Human Rights Commission in 2012 and urges the government to set it up so that it can start functioning;

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)

17c. Recalls that the EU's GSP Plus which Pakistan benefits from as of 2014, is only granted to countries which have agreed in a binding manner to implement international human rights, labour rights and environment and good governance conventions; underlines notably Pakistan's obligations under the conventions listed in Annex VIII and reminds the Commission of its obligation to monitor their effective implementation; recalls further that in case a country "does not respect its binding undertakings" the GSP plus shall be temporarily withdrawn;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 d (new)

17d. Calls on the Pakistani government to sign up to the ILO/IFC led "Better Work Program", as promised, in order to give a push to improvements in health and safety standards for workers; calls on all those directly or indirectly responsible in the factory fire at Ali Enterprises garment factory, including the involved Social Accountability auditing company and European retailers to finally pay the survivors of the fire full, long-term and fair compensation which still has not been done;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas Pakistan’'s ~~regional conduct and EU-Pakistan relations are of major and growing consequence to EU interests~~strategic role in the region and its relationship to its neighbours are of major and growing importance to the EU, given the country’'s pivotal location at the heart of a volatile neighbourhood, its centrality to security and development in Central and South Asia, and its crucial role in combating terrorism, non-proliferation, drug trafficking and other transnational threats~~, all of which affect the security and well-being of European citizens~~;

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas Pakistan’s regional conduct and EU-Pakistan relations are of major and growing ~~conseque~~importance to EU interests, given the country’s pivotal location at the heart of a volatile neighbourhood, its centrality to security and development in Central and South Asia, and its crucial role in combating terrorism, non-proliferation, drug trafficking and other transnational threats, all of which affect the security and well-being of European citizens;

Amendment 8 #

Marietta GIANNAKOU

Motion for a resolution
Recital Α

Α. whereas Pakistan’s regional conduct and EU-Pakistan relations are of major and growing consequence to EU interests, given the country’s pivotal location at the heart of a volatile neighbourhood, its centrality to security and development in Central and South Asia, and its crucial role in combating terrorism, non-proliferation, illegal migration, drug trafficking and other transnational threats, all of which affect the security and well-being of European citizens;

Amendment 9 #