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

A catastrophic disaster has struck Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes rocked the nation in quick succession, leaving at least 235 people dead and thousands injured, with rescue teams still racing against time to find survivors trapped under collapsed buildings. The twin quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck within a minute of each other, making them one of the most powerful seismic events to hit the region in recent history. Survivors have been pulled from the debris, many injured, bloodied, and covered in dust, as desperate cries for help continue to be heard from beneath the wreckage. Authorities confirm that more than 4,300 people have been injured, while over 250 buildings have either been damaged or completely destroyed. La Guaira has emerged as the hardest-hit region, with widespread devastation and significant loss of life reported. WATCH