Mapping Labour Unions in Pakistan 1.5.2. Generalised Scheme of Preference(GSP+) The European Union has granted Pakistan Generalised Scheme of Preference (GSP+) status in 2014. The GSP+, as a trading instrument eliminating tariffs on imports for beneficiary countries directed at offering special incentives for vulnerable lower-income countries to promote sustainable development and good governance. In return, the concerned country is required to fulfil a set of commitments towards improving human rights, labour rights, and adopt principles of good governance and environmental ethics, in its geographical boundaries. This is done through ratification and ensuring the implementation of 27 international conventions. The monitoring of conventions/covenants attached to GSP+ is based on a comprehensive system of review and consultation. This also includes a scorecard and dialogue with stakeholders in the beneficiary country, including the civil society. The 2016-17 GSP+ review report has pointed to persistent obstacles in the way of unionization, inadequate functioning of the labour inspection system, working conditions, occupational health and safety of workers, and importantly, implementation and enforcement of laws and regulations. The 2018-19 report noted limited progress to ensure freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. It raised concerns over the low unionisation rate and weak functioning of tripartite social dialogue at national and provincial levels. The report also highlights ILO supervisory bodies repeated calls for Pakistan to align labour legislation with the fundamental Convention 87 on freedom of association and to extend its applicability to Export Processing Zones(EPZs) and Special Economic Zones(SEZs). The report also noted that post-2010 devolution of labour to the provinces, the federal and provincial governments have not taken steps to promote unionisation. It also notes the failure of the industrial relations legislation at both federal and provincial levels to provide for unionisation in several work clusters. The report duly highlighted harassment of unionised workers who are subjected to threats of violence and kidnapping as well as arbitrary dismissals. The report notes the adjudication of the state responsibility towards the protection of trade union members. 25 25. The EU Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development and Good Governance('GSP+') assessment of Pakistan covering the period 2018- 2019 at file:/// Users/zeenia/Downloads/SWD(2020)22_0.pdf 15