Zulfi Bukhari, an adviser to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, recently engaged in discussions with officials from the European External Action Service (EEAS) regarding democracy, the rule of law, and human rights challenges in Pakistan. On March 27, 2025, Bukhari took to social media platform X to share details of his meeting, emphasizing the importance of upholding fundamental rights in the country.
In his post, Bukhari stated, "Had a productive discussion with representatives from the European External Action Service on democracy, rule of law, and human rights challenges in Pakistan." He expressed gratitude towards the EU officials for their insights and conveyed hope for continued engagement on these pressing issues. Bukhari underscored the necessity of a just and inclusive Pakistan, asserting that "a just, inclusive Pakistan—where fundamental rights are upheld—is key to economic prosperity & equality."
This diplomatic engagement comes at a time of heightened scrutiny regarding Pakistan's human rights record. Just days prior, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar publicly accused the PTI of attempting to influence the EU by initiating online petitions urging European authorities to reconsider Pakistan's GSP+ status—a special trade arrangement that incentivizes developing countries to adhere to international conventions on human rights, environmental protection, and governance.
The GSP+ status is crucial for Pakistan, as it allows for preferential trade terms with the EU, which can significantly impact the country's economy. However, the European Union’s mission in Islamabad has denied receiving any official communication from the PTI regarding the GSP+ status. According to reports from The News, Samar Saeed Akhtar, the EU Press and Information Officer in Islamabad, stated, "We have not received any official communication from PTI regarding GSP+."
Despite the accusations from the government, the PTI has maintained that it has not sent any correspondence to the EU regarding the GSP+ status, contradicting the claims made by Tarar. PTI spokesperson Raoof Hassan clarified that during a recent visit, both EU and Commonwealth delegations met with various political parties, including PTI, and that no other engagement with the EU had taken place beyond this.
The backdrop of Bukhari’s discussions highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Pakistan, particularly following the imprisonment of Imran Khan, which has intensified scrutiny on the PTI’s actions and their implications for the country’s international relations. As a close aide to Khan, Bukhari's role in these discussions underscores the PTI's efforts to engage with international bodies amidst allegations of diminishing democratic norms in Pakistan.
Bukhari's previous roles include serving as a Special Assistant to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, where he held the portfolio of Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. His extensive experience in governance and international relations positions him as a key figure in the PTI's strategy to navigate the complex landscape of international diplomacy.
As discussions surrounding human rights and governance continue to evolve, the outcome of Bukhari's engagement with the EU could have significant implications for Pakistan's standing in the international community. Observers are keenly watching how the PTI will address the challenges posed by its political rivals and the ongoing scrutiny from the EU regarding its human rights commitments.
With the GSP+ status hanging in the balance, the stakes are high for Pakistan. The EU Parliament had previously voted in October 2023 to extend the current rules of the GSP framework for another four years, allowing countries like Pakistan to benefit from the trade incentives, provided they uphold their commitments to human rights.
The situation remains fluid, with the PTI and the government exchanging accusations and counterclaims regarding their respective engagements with international bodies. As Zulfi Bukhari continues to advocate for a just and inclusive Pakistan, the international community will be closely monitoring the developments, particularly in light of the upcoming discussions regarding the GSP+ status and its implications for Pakistan's economic future.
In conclusion, Zulfi Bukhari's recent discussions with EU officials mark a significant step in the PTI’s efforts to engage with international partners amid ongoing political challenges. Whether these discussions will lead to tangible outcomes for Pakistan's human rights situation and economic prospects remains to be seen, but they certainly highlight the critical intersection of domestic politics and international relations in the current landscape.
