Claims that Kasim Khan, the son of former prime minister Imran Khan, attempted to get Pakistan’s GSP+ status revoked gained traction online after his address at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), although he did not explicitly call for any such action.
A post on X by Reema Omer (Legal Advisor, International Commission of Jurists) clarified the context of the widely shared clip, stating, “This particular clip is not from a ‘conference to revoke Pakistan’s GSP+ status’”.
She added, “It is from the General Debate under Item 9 of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council. Kasim Khan speaks about rising intolerance and political persecution in Pakistan (among other concerns, some of which are factually inaccurate) and calls on the Council to urge Pakistan to end the persecution and release political prisoners. GSP+ isn’t mentioned”.
GSP+ (Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus) is a European Union trade arrangement that grants developing countries tariff-free or reduced-tariff access to EU markets in return for implementing international conventions.
During the session, Kasim raised the case of his father, Imran Khan, stating that his treatment violated international human rights conventions. He described the case as not an “isolated incident” and termed it the “most visible example of a much wider pattern of repression in Pakistan since 2022”.
He referred to political detentions, military trials of civilians and journalists being “silenced, abducted or driven into exile”, and reiterated allegations of rigging in the February 2024 general elections.
He also noted Pakistan’s commitments under the GSP+ framework to uphold international conventions, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations Convention against torture. He claimed that Imran Khan’s detention was arbitrary, that he was being kept in solitary confinement, and alleged restrictions on family visits and denial of medical care.
Following the circulation of the clip, several users linked his remarks to Pakistan’s GSP+ status, stating that referencing such commitments was aimed at influencing the arrangement even if it was not stated directly.
One user wrote, “The ultimate nepo-baby pivot: trading the livelihoods of 240 million people for one very expensive family reunion. A masterclass in weaponised privilege. And throwing in a BNM cameo just to ensure the politics are as foolish as they are delusional. Who’s the lad’s advisor?”
Another stated, “Pakistan isn’t a perfect country but we don’t need foreigners nitpicking and twisting facts. Yes I said ‘foreigners’. Now go cry in a corner”.
A user asked, “Are people still supporting these party & its shenanigans?”
One post read, “Sad. Condemnable. The kids are being used as a political fodder. Turning against Pakistan for mere vendetta and vested agenda. This calls for a ban on their communication with Imran Khan if it violates the law of Pakistan and goes against national interest.”
A user stated, “It is deeply concerning to see Imran Khan’s son Kasim Khan aligning with BNM leader Naseem Baloch to lobby against Pakistan’s GSP+ status with the EU. Using personal grievances to target the national economy while sitting alongside known anti state figures crosses a clear line.”
Another commented, “Shameless Niazi’s illegitimate followers where were you all at that time when Imran Niazi was Prime Minister and was putting his opponents in jail through false cases? You are filthy people, eternal enemies of Pakistan the entire Niazi family”.
One post read, “I REJECT jemaima’s Son Addresses in UNHRC session 61 – Geneva We Pakistani refute all his allegations against Pakistan.”
A user wrote, “If anyone thinks this is justified in ANY WAY, shame on you. These people with their supporters and sympathisers should get out of our country with their bs”.
Another said, “Twisting facts now? You made a direct attack at Pakistan’s GSP+ status. How disgusting. Doesn’t really make a difference to your lot if millions of Pakistanis are pushed to literal hunger right?”
One post read, “They want the common citizen of Pakistan to suffer coz their father is in jail for stealing???”
