Pakistan's preferential trade access to the European Union has come under renewed scrutiny after the European Parliament linked the country's GSP+ status to its human rights record and compliance with international obligations. In its latest observations, the European Parliament stressed that continued access to the GSP+ trade scheme depends on Pakistan's implementation of 27 international conventions covering human rights, labour rights, environmental protection, climate commitments and good governance. The resolution also highlighted the cases of rights activist Mahrang Baloch and lawyer Imaan Mazari while calling for greater protection of fundamental freedoms and democratic rights. European lawmakers further voiced concern over allegations of the weaponization of state institutions against dissenting voices. WATCH

Iran has deployed a massive new batch of 1000 advanced military drones as regional tensions escalate and warnings from Washington intensify. State media says the unmanned aerial vehicles have been integrated across multiple branches of Iran’s armed forces, expanding strike, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare capabilities. The announcement comes as President Donald Trump warns that time is running out for a nuclear agreement and says U.S. forces are ready to act if diplomacy fails.