A SCOTTISH MEP is to receive an honorary degree from a university in Pakistan for his work in building international relations.

David Martin, Scotland's senior European MEP and member of the Labour Party, is to be given the honorary Ph.D. from the Lahore-based University of the Punjab, in recognition of his services to Pakistan, and in particular for helping to develop links between Pakistan and Europe.

Mr Martin said: "It is a great honour to have my work recognised in this way."

The MEP also thanked Mohammad Sarwar, former Govan MP, now Governor of the Punjab, for his work "to help bring about the granting to Pakistan the status of Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) Plus by the European Union."

"It means that Pakistan can now export its goods to 28 countries in the EU without having to pay duties - this will be a huge boost to jobs and prosperity in Pakistan," he said.

"It is also a boost for businesses in Scotland dependent on the textile industry."

GSP Plus status is given only to countries that have signed 27 core conventions of the International Labour Organisation, including agreements on human rights, women's rights and labour standards as well as commitment to good governance.

Governor Sarwar said: "The people of Pakistan and the Pakistani community in Glasgow and Scotland will be eternally grateful to David Martin and his colleagues for all their efforts."