A series of viral videos circulating on social media platform X and various news outlets claiming that Kasim Khan, the son of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan, demanded the revocation of Pakistan’s GSP Plus status has been debunked as false. The iVerify Pakistan team investigated the footage and confirmed that while Kasim Khan spoke about human rights conditions, he did not call for the suspension of trade preferences.
The controversy began around March 25, 2026, when several accounts associated with the PML-N and certain media organizations shared clips of Kasim Khan speaking at a side event during the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The captions accompanying these videos alleged that he was lobbying against the national economy by asking the European Union to terminate the GSP Plus incentive, which allows Pakistan duty-free access to European markets.
In the actual footage from the event titled Human Rights in Pakistan, Kasim Khan discussed the imprisonment of his father at Adiala Jail. He highlighted concerns regarding solitary confinement, denial of medical care, and the trial of civilians in military courts. He noted that these actions violate international conventions that Pakistan committed to under the GSP Plus framework, such as the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights. However, a full transcription of his remarks confirms he never issued a formal demand for the EU to withdraw the status.
Despite the lack of evidence in the video, the claims gained significant traction. Media outlets like ARY News Urdu and digital platforms like Thursday Times amplified the narrative, while political figures including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reshared the content. The posts collectively gathered over a million views, fueling a heated debate over national interest versus political advocacy.
The European Union’s GSP Plus status is a vital economic tool for Pakistan, requiring the implementation of 27 international conventions. While political families often campaign for the rights of detained leaders, this specific instance of alleged economic sabotage has been proven to be a misinterpretation of the statements made during the Geneva conference.
