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

India and the European Union have signed a landmark free trade agreement after nearly 18 years of stop-start negotiations, in what European leaders are calling the “mother of all trade deals.” The timing is critical. India is currently facing steep 50 per cent tariffs on key exports to the United States, while Europe is under fresh tariff threats from President Donald Trump amid disputes involving Greenland and wider security concerns. Who benefits from the trade deal the most? Here is all you need to know.