With Pakistan and Sri Lanka facing economic and political instability, it will be hard to miss the Chinese shadow lingering in the background.&nbsp;

Both countries, especially Pakistan have had a close relationship with Beijing. In fact, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi was among the key guest at Pakistan Day on March 23 this year.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, at a daily Chinese foreign ministry presser, spokesperson Zhao Lijian pointed to the "all-weather strategic cooperative" partnership between the two countries saying, "history has proven time and again that China-Pakistan relations have always been unbreakable and rock-solid, no matter how the international landscape and their respective domestic situations may change".&nbsp;

On China Pakistan economic corridor that gives China a key connectivity route to the Arabian sea, a spokesperson assured that its construction will not be "affected by the political situation in Pakistan."&nbsp;

It is reported that a number of projects under CPEC have been shelved due to a lack of funds and the Pakistani rupee in a free fall. Gwadar, a key port in the project in restive Baluchistan province, saw a number of protests last year.&nbsp;

Interestingly, spokesperson Lijian while emphasising on "principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs", also advised that, "we sincerely hope that all parties in Pakistan will remain united and work together for national development and stability".&nbsp;

Sri Lanka faces economic challenges even as Colombo's part engagement with Beijing has left huge debt. New Delhi has emerged as a major supporter of the country extending support worth about $2.5 billion since January, which includes 2 lines of credit--$500 million for fuel and $ 1 billion for food, medicine and essential supplies.&nbsp;

Both lines of credit are in operation even as five consignments of diesel, petrol and aviation petrol have reached the Indian Ocean Island country. One stand-out is, that Indian support is seen without any strings, unlike Chinese "predatory practices".

The Maldives is another country where attempts are being seen, by staying below the radar by China to form an anti-India narrative.&nbsp;

A social media campaign has been seen #IndiaOut linked to former President Abdulla Yameen whose closeness to Beijing is well known.&nbsp;

The social media campaign was started by and is sustained by the Chinese Communist Party, something which was evident in a photo leaked over social media in the last two weeks, which showed a sizeable presence of Chinese officials in one of the #IndiaOut campaigns.

A bill has been proposed with harsh penalties for anyone trying to jeopardise good relations with foreign ties, a key measure by the current Maldives government to rein in the campaign.&nbsp;

The proposed new law will attract a penalty of 20,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa, besides a jail term of six months or house arrest of one year for insinuating that the Maldives is under the military, economic or political control of another foreign nation.&nbsp;

The Maldives, under President Solih, has reaffirmed India's first foreign policy multiple times. India has also emerged as a key development partner of the country.&nbsp;

India's External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar during his recent visit to the country announced and inaugurated a number of projects in the country including the police academy in Addu.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: "Dialogue of the deaf": Europe on summit with China

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With Pakistan and Sri Lanka facing economic and political instability, it will be hard to miss the Chinese shadow lingering in the background. Both countries, especially Pakistan have had a close relationship with Beijing.

With Pakistan and Sri Lanka facing economic and political instability, it will be hard to miss the Chinese shadow lingering in the background. Both countries, especially Pakistan have had a close relationship with Beijing. In fact, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi was among the key guest at Pakistan Day on March 23 this year. On Wednesday, at a daily Chinese foreign ministry presser, spokesperson Zhao Lijian pointed to the "all-weather strategic cooperative" partnership between the two countries saying, "history has proven time and again that China-Pakistan relations have always been unbreakable and rock-solid, no matter how the international landscape and their respective domestic situations may change". On China Pakistan economic corridor that gives China a key connectivity route to the Arabian sea, a spokesperson assured that its construction will not be "affected by the political situation in Pakistan." It is reported that a number of projects under CPEC have been shelved due to a lack of funds and the Pakistani rupee in a free fall. Gwadar, a key port in the project in restive Baluchistan province, saw a number of protests last year. Interestingly, spokesperson Lijian while emphasising on "principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs", also advised that, "we sincerely hope that all parties in Pakistan will remain united and work together for national development and stability". Sri Lanka faces economic challenges even as Colombo's part engagement with Beijing has left huge debt. New Delhi has emerged as a major supporter of the country extending support worth about $2.5 billion since January, which includes 2 lines of credit--$500 million for fuel and $ 1 billion for food, medicine and essential supplies. Both lines of credit are in operation even as five consignments of diesel, petrol and aviation petrol have reached the Indian Ocean Island country. One stand-out is, that Indian support is seen without any strings, unlike Chinese "predatory practices". The Maldives is another country where attempts are being seen, by staying below the radar by China to form an anti-India narrative. A social media campaign has been seen #IndiaOut linked to former President Abdulla Yameen whose closeness to Beijing is well known. The social media campaign was started by and is sustained by the Chinese Communist Party, something which was evident in a photo leaked over social media in the last two weeks, which showed a sizeable presence of Chinese officials in one of the #IndiaOut campaigns. A bill has been proposed with harsh penalties for anyone trying to jeopardise good relations with foreign ties, a key measure by the current Maldives government to rein in the campaign. The proposed new law will attract a penalty of 20,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa, besides a jail term of six months or house arrest of one year for insinuating that the Maldives is under the military, economic or political control of another foreign nation. The Maldives, under President Solih, has reaffirmed India's first foreign policy multiple times. India has also emerged as a key development partner of the country. India's External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar during his recent visit to the country announced and inaugurated a number of projects in the country including the police academy in Addu. WATCH | Gravitas: "Dialogue of the deaf": Europe on summit with China ×

Chinese shadow as South Asian countries face political and social upheavals

More than 6,500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have died in Qatar in the last 10 years. WION brings you more.

Qatar: Inhumane conditions of Migrant workers; 6,500 migrant workers have died

The first-of-its-kind system for South Asian countries that will provide alerts for flash floods 6-24 hours in advance was launched at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday.

The World Meteorological Department (WMO) has entrusted India with the responsibility of the Regional Centre of South Asia Flash Flood Guidance System for coordination, development and its implementation.

India also shares cyclone warning alerts with neighbouring countries.

The system will enable the member countries -- India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan -- issue impact-based forecasting of floods which are very sudden and of short duration at the watershed and also city level, IMD director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said at the online launch.

Representatives of the member countries attended the event.

Flash floods are highly localised events of short duration with a very high peak and usually have less than six hours between the occurrence of the rainfall and peak flood. There is a general lack of flash flood warning capabilities and capacities among countries across the world.

Recognising that flash floods have a particularly disastrous impact on lives and properties of the affected populations, the 15th WMO Congress had approved the implementation of a Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) project with global coverage.

The system has been developed by the WMO Commission for Hydrology, jointly with the WMO Commission for Basic Systems and in collaboration with the US National Weather Service, the US Hydrologic Research Centre (HRC).

The IMD has highly advanced capabilities with respect to computing power, numerical weather prediction, vast observational network (ground, air and space-based), and an internationally acclaimed weather forecasting system.

It has tested the performance of the system during recent monsoon seasons in the pre-operational mode and the flash flood bulletins were issued to national hydrological and meteorological services in the region for its validation, said BP Yadav, a senior scientist at the IMD.

The system has in-depth science, dynamics and diagnostics to provide guidance for the possible occurrences of flash floods at the local level, Yadav added.

"The guidance for flash floods in the form of Threats (6 hours in advance) and Risks (24 hours in advance) will be provided by Regional Centre to National Meteorological &amp; Hydrological Services, National and State Disaster Management Authorities and all other stakeholders for taking necessary mitigation measures to reduce the loss of life and property in the South Asian region countries of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka," Mr Mohapatra said.

M Rajeevan, the secretary in the Ministry of Earth Sciences, stressed the need for enhancing the observational network for rainfall and soil moisture to improvise the performance of the system.

The first-of-its-kind system for South Asian countries that will provide alerts for flash floods 6-24 hours in advance was launched at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday.

The first-of-its-kind system for South Asian countries that will provide alerts for flash floods 6-24 hours in advance was launched at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday. The World Meteorological Department (WMO) has entrusted India with the responsibility of the Regional Centre of South Asia Flash Flood Guidance System for coordination, development and its implementation. India also shares cyclone warning alerts with neighbouring countries. The system will enable the member countries -- India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan -- issue impact-based forecasting of floods which are very sudden and of short duration at the watershed and also city level, IMD director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said at the online launch. Representatives of the member countries attended the event. Flash floods are highly localised events of short duration with a very high peak and usually have less than six hours between the occurrence of the rainfall and peak flood. There is a general lack of flash flood warning capabilities and capacities among countries across the world. Recognising that flash floods have a particularly disastrous impact on lives and properties of the affected populations, the 15th WMO Congress had approved the implementation of a Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) project with global coverage. The system has been developed by the WMO Commission for Hydrology, jointly with the WMO Commission for Basic Systems and in collaboration with the US National Weather Service, the US Hydrologic Research Centre (HRC). The IMD has highly advanced capabilities with respect to computing power, numerical weather prediction, vast observational network (ground, air and space-based), and an internationally acclaimed weather forecasting system. It has tested the performance of the system during recent monsoon seasons in the pre-operational mode and the flash flood bulletins were issued to national hydrological and meteorological services in the region for its validation, said BP Yadav, a senior scientist at the IMD. The system has in-depth science, dynamics and diagnostics to provide guidance for the possible occurrences of flash floods at the local level, Yadav added. "The guidance for flash floods in the form of Threats (6 hours in advance) and Risks (24 hours in advance) will be provided by Regional Centre to National Meteorological & Hydrological Services, National and State Disaster Management Authorities and all other stakeholders for taking necessary mitigation measures to reduce the loss of life and property in the South Asian region countries of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka," Mr Mohapatra said. M Rajeevan, the secretary in the Ministry of Earth Sciences, stressed the need for enhancing the observational network for rainfall and soil moisture to improvise the performance of the system.

First-of-its-kind flash flood warning system for South Asian countries launched 

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday met his Bangladeshi counterpart. The two top diplomats discussed ways to boost bilateral ties amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indian FS meets Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina amid rising Chinese flue

Wuhan virus spread across the Nation. South Asia battels against coronavirus.

South Asia tackles Covid 19-spread

Assam Government Friday said the state capital will be connected to six capital cities of South Asian countries by the end of December to boost connectivity in the region.

While inaugurating the ASEAN section of the 2nd Guwahati International Film Festival (GIFF), Assam Act East Policy Affairs Minister, Chandra Mohan Patowary said films are bridges between two cultures.

"We are very focused to increase connectivity between South Asia. In this direction, Guwahati will be connected with six capital cities of South Asian nations by the end of December," he said addressing the gathering.

Patowary also informed that an inter-country pact was signed yesterday to augment waterways in the region.

"A tri-lateral highway has also been planned and construction is almost done. The bridges are only left. This will be from Afghanistan to Burma (Myanmar) via India," he added.

The initiatives like the GIFF are very positive in the cultural arena that will help know each other, the minister said.

"We are trying to develop the relation between India and South East Asian countries in the field of trade, commerce and other segments. GIFF can play an important role in that direction," he added.

During the inauguration of the ASEAN segment, the Myanmar Ambassador to India, Moe Kyaw Aung was also present.

In this year, the ASEAN countries are the focus region of the 2nd GIFF with 14 films from 10 countries of the region instead of having any focus country.

The ASEAN segment began with showing of 'In the Life of Music' by Caylee So and Sok Visal.

Some other films from the South East Asian nations will be 'Woman of the Weeping River' by Sheron Dayoc, 'The Seen and Unseen' by Kamila Andini, 'Father and Son' by Luong Dinh Dung, 'Poppy Goes to Hollywood' by Sok Visal and 'Smaller and Smaller Circles' by Raya Martin and 'Mudras Calling' by Christina Kyi.

The 2nd Guwahati International Film Festival began with much fanfare on Thursday with a collection of 108 acclaimed films from over 50 countries that is likely to attract nearly 5,000 domestic and foreign delegates in the next one week.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the seven-day long film extravaganza saying that the festival is aimed to integrate the world as a family.

The ceremony was also attended by Lithuanian Ambassador Julius Pranevicius, Serbian Ambassador Vladimir Maric and Latvian Ambassador designated Artis Bertulis.

During the festival, nearly 35 film personalities from abroad will take part with their flicks, while Ambassadors from Lithuania, Myanmar, Argentina, Latvia, Estonia, Serbia, Singapore and Malaysia will be present.

The Assam government-owned Jyoti Chitraban (Film Studio) Society is the organiser of the festival, which will be held from October 25 to 31, in association with Dr Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film and Television Institute.

Assam Government Friday said the state capital will be connected to six capital cities of South Asian countries by the end of December to boost connectivity in the region.

Assam Government Friday said the state capital will be connected to six capital cities of South Asian countries by the end of December to boost connectivity in the region. While inaugurating the ASEAN section of the 2nd Guwahati International Film Festival (GIFF), Assam Act East Policy Affairs Minister, Chandra Mohan Patowary said films are bridges between two cultures. "We are very focused to increase connectivity between South Asia. In this direction, Guwahati will be connected with six capital cities of South Asian nations by the end of December," he said addressing the gathering. Patowary also informed that an inter-country pact was signed yesterday to augment waterways in the region. "A tri-lateral highway has also been planned and construction is almost done. The bridges are only left. This will be from Afghanistan to Burma (Myanmar) via India," he added. The initiatives like the GIFF are very positive in the cultural arena that will help know each other, the minister said. "We are trying to develop the relation between India and South East Asian countries in the field of trade, commerce and other segments. GIFF can play an important role in that direction," he added. During the inauguration of the ASEAN segment, the Myanmar Ambassador to India, Moe Kyaw Aung was also present. In this year, the ASEAN countries are the focus region of the 2nd GIFF with 14 films from 10 countries of the region instead of having any focus country. The ASEAN segment began with showing of 'In the Life of Music' by Caylee So and Sok Visal. Some other films from the South East Asian nations will be 'Woman of the Weeping River' by Sheron Dayoc, 'The Seen and Unseen' by Kamila Andini, 'Father and Son' by Luong Dinh Dung, 'Poppy Goes to Hollywood' by Sok Visal and 'Smaller and Smaller Circles' by Raya Martin and 'Mudras Calling' by Christina Kyi. The 2nd Guwahati International Film Festival began with much fanfare on Thursday with a collection of 108 acclaimed films from over 50 countries that is likely to attract nearly 5,000 domestic and foreign delegates in the next one week. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the seven-day long film extravaganza saying that the festival is aimed to integrate the world as a family. The ceremony was also attended by Lithuanian Ambassador Julius Pranevicius, Serbian Ambassador Vladimir Maric and Latvian Ambassador designated Artis Bertulis. During the festival, nearly 35 film personalities from abroad will take part with their flicks, while Ambassadors from Lithuania, Myanmar, Argentina, Latvia, Estonia, Serbia, Singapore and Malaysia will be present. The Assam government-owned Jyoti Chitraban (Film Studio) Society is the organiser of the festival, which will be held from October 25 to 31, in association with Dr Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film and Television Institute.

Guwahati to be connected with six capital cities of South Asian countries: Govt

The recent defeat of pro-China government in Maldives has added to the list of the nations who have developed an anti-China rhetoric in South Asia.

Amid rising concerns that the country may fall into a debt trap, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, during the election campaign, had assured the people that his government would review Chinese investment.

The Maldives, which moved closer to China since 2013 after Abdulla Yameen took to power, had received significant grants and loan from China's Belt and Road Initiative. The Island nation also renovated the international airport in the capital of Male and a bridge connecting the airport to town with the help of funds from China.

While the new government in the Maldives seems to reassess its relation with China due to its immense financial assistance, Solih, at the same time, is expected to improve its ties with India.

Two other Muslim majority nations in the subcontinent had also fought elections with a promise to keep a check on China's growing influence in their countries.

China's great ambition to emerge as one of the biggest economies has compelled it to invest billions of dollars in the development project in South Asia.

To maintain its stronghold over the subcontinent, China has initiated projects in several South Asian countries.&nbsp;

One of such projects was recently struck down in Malaysia after the new government assumed office in May.

The change of power in Malaysia after May 9 elections, which swept aside the government of Najib Razak and reinstated Mahathir Mohamad, has eliminated China backed energy pipeline and a rain project along peninsular Malaysia's eastern coast to reduce the national debt that grew under Najib's rule.&nbsp;

The projects were part of China's ambitious "Belt and Road", but Mahathir said the deals undertaken by Najib were too costly and unfair to Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the recent reports from Pakistan have hinted on the country's growing uneasiness with the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Imran Khan has assured greater transparency with the country's project with China and promised that the contracts with Beijing would be made public.

Expressing concern over the deals with China, his government said the agreement was "badly negotiated" and overly favoured China. 
&nbsp; 
The reports suggest that Pakistan which is reeling under massive debt may rethink its position on the Chinese Silk Road.&nbsp;

Pakistani officials say they remain committed to Chinese investment but want to negotiate on price and affordability.

But in a setback to Islamabad's desire, Beijing is only willing to review projects that have not yet begun, Reuters reported.

Debt-ridden Pakistan may find it very difficult to renegotiate its deal with China as it has already taken massive loans from Beijing. Also, Pakistan's worsening relations with the US may force it to bow down before the demands of Beijing.

In a recent meeting held in Beijing in August, China clarified that the new governments in Malaysia, Pakistan and Maldives were free to decide if they would want to continue with Chinese investment in the projects. It also added that the countries should be ready to compensate for the debts borrowed from China in case they retreat from the projects.

Despite the rising apprehension for China among the South Asian countries, the Dragon may never want to lose its supremacy over the subcontinent. It will try to maintain its grip over the countries through its massive debt trap.

As seen in the case of Sri Lanka where it had to sell its Hambantota Port to China after it failed to clear off the funds that China had been pumping into the country for years.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The recent defeat of pro-China government in Maldives has added to the list of the nations who have developed an anti-China rhetoric in South Asia. Amid rising concerns that the country may fall into a debt trap, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, during the election campaign, had assured the people that his government would review Chinese investment.

The recent defeat of pro-China government in Maldives has added to the list of the nations who have developed an anti-China rhetoric in South Asia. Amid rising concerns that the country may fall into a debt trap, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, during the election campaign, had assured the people that his government would review Chinese investment. The Maldives, which moved closer to China since 2013 after Abdulla Yameen took to power, had received significant grants and loan from China's Belt and Road Initiative. The Island nation also renovated the international airport in the capital of Male and a bridge connecting the airport to town with the help of funds from China. While the new government in the Maldives seems to reassess its relation with China due to its immense financial assistance, Solih, at the same time, is expected to improve its ties with India. Two other Muslim majority nations in the subcontinent had also fought elections with a promise to keep a check on China's growing influence in their countries. China's great ambition to emerge as one of the biggest economies has compelled it to invest billions of dollars in the development project in South Asia. To maintain its stronghold over the subcontinent, China has initiated projects in several South Asian countries. One of such projects was recently struck down in Malaysia after the new government assumed office in May. The change of power in Malaysia after May 9 elections, which swept aside the government of Najib Razak and reinstated Mahathir Mohamad, has eliminated China backed energy pipeline and a rain project along peninsular Malaysia's eastern coast to reduce the national debt that grew under Najib's rule. The projects were part of China's ambitious "Belt and Road", but Mahathir said the deals undertaken by Najib were too costly and unfair to Malaysia. Meanwhile, the recent reports from Pakistan have hinted on the country's growing uneasiness with the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Imran Khan has assured greater transparency with the country's project with China and promised that the contracts with Beijing would be made public. Expressing concern over the deals with China, his government said the agreement was "badly negotiated" and overly favoured China. The reports suggest that Pakistan which is reeling under massive debt may rethink its position on the Chinese Silk Road. Pakistani officials say they remain committed to Chinese investment but want to negotiate on price and affordability. But in a setback to Islamabad's desire, Beijing is only willing to review projects that have not yet begun, Reuters reported. Debt-ridden Pakistan may find it very difficult to renegotiate its deal with China as it has already taken massive loans from Beijing. Also, Pakistan's worsening relations with the US may force it to bow down before the demands of Beijing. In a recent meeting held in Beijing in August, China clarified that the new governments in Malaysia, Pakistan and Maldives were free to decide if they would want to continue with Chinese investment in the projects. It also added that the countries should be ready to compensate for the debts borrowed from China in case they retreat from the projects. Despite the rising apprehension for China among the South Asian countries, the Dragon may never want to lose its supremacy over the subcontinent. It will try to maintain its grip over the countries through its massive debt trap. As seen in the case of Sri Lanka where it had to sell its Hambantota Port to China after it failed to clear off the funds that China had been pumping into the country for years. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Is South Asia losing faith in China? 

The Trump administration's proposed rule, under which immigrants may be denied green card if they have received government benefits in the past or are likely to receive one in the future, is likely to have a major impact on immigrants from South Asian countries, a community organisation said Tuesday.

"The new rule would hit the South Asian American communities particularly hard, as over 10 per cent of green card recipients in FY 2016 were from South Asian countries," the South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) said.

It condemned the Department of Homeland Security announcement of the proposed "public charge" rules that would deny permanent resident status ("green cards") to immigrants who use government services such as nutrition programmes and housing assistance.

According to a recent Pew Research Center study, one in four immigrants in the US from Bangladesh and Nepal and one in three immigrants from Bhutan already live in poverty. This new rule would put all these individuals at great risk, it said.

SAALT said the term "public charge" predated federal immigration law entirely. In the early 1800s, the states would only free individual slaves on the condition that they never become a "public charge". This framework was now being expanded to criminalise the immigrant communities, it said.

"This policy is about who this administration considers a desirable immigrant. It is designed to instil fear in immigrant communities of colour and relegate the non-citizens and their families to second-class status," said Suman Raghunathan, Executive Director of SAALT.

"It will punish the immigrants who rightfully access the public benefits to which they are entitled, it will punish parents for taking care of their children and it will force immigrant families to choose between citizenship and basic needs," she added.

"Rather than taxing the one per cent, this administration chooses to punish immigrant families over and over again. Today, on the one-year anniversary of Muslim Ban 3.0, we say no to more racist and anti-immigrant policies," Raghunathan said.

Congressman Bobby Scott from Virginia said the proposed policy was making grounds for denying legal US residency to immigrants.

"The Trump administration's 'public charge' proposal would force hundreds of thousands of immigrants to make the impossible choice between receiving basic assistance for food and shelter and risking being separated from their families.

"This proposal is cruel, counterproductive and in violation of the basic principles that make America an example for the world," Scott said.

According to Congressman Tony Cardenas, the policy is equal parts cruel and senseless. "Not only will this hurt the tax-paying families, it will also have a hugely negative impact on the US economy and on American citizens," he said.

In 2014, the immigrants in this country earned USD 1.3 trillion and paid more than USD 223 billion in federal taxes, while paying another USD 105 billion in combined state and local taxes, Cardenas said.

"We are talking about people who are vital to the American economy and it is insane to threaten people who are legal, rule-following contributors to American communities. This proposed rule will hurt the grocery stores, farmers and healthcare providers. Our American economy will suffer. It just does not make any sense," he added.

"In their quest to shame and isolate immigrants to this country, the Trump administration is gambling with the health of children, wagering that their lives matter less because they were not born here," Congresswoman Judy Chu said.

Asserting that there was no justification for this rule change "outside of bald-faced xenophobia", Chu said the change applied to the immigrants who were here legally and had done nothing to merit punishment.

"Immigrant families are no less entitled to food or housing support than any other person trying to get by in this unequal economy. Moreover, by working and paying taxes, many of these immigrants have actually earned these benefits. Others, like children and seniors who are not working should not be punished for somebody else's prejudice," she said.

The American Immigration Lawyers' Association (AILA) said the new rule would prevent many immigrants from securing lawful permanent residence and remaining with their families in the US, simply because they previously received some type of basic healthcare support, nutrition assistance or other vital services.

"The proposed rule is the Trump administration's latest assault on immigrant families, who are integral to the fabric of the American society and have been pivotal to our nation's success," said Benjamin Johnson, AILA executive director.&nbsp;

The Trump administration's proposed rule, under which immigrants may be denied green card if they have received government benefits in the past or are likely to receive one in the future, is likely to have a major impact on immigrants from South Asian countries, a community organisation said Tuesday.

The Trump administration's proposed rule, under which immigrants may be denied green card if they have received government benefits in the past or are likely to receive one in the future, is likely to have a major impact on immigrants from South Asian countries, a community organisation said Tuesday. "The new rule would hit the South Asian American communities particularly hard, as over 10 per cent of green card recipients in FY 2016 were from South Asian countries," the South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) said. It condemned the Department of Homeland Security announcement of the proposed "public charge" rules that would deny permanent resident status ("green cards") to immigrants who use government services such as nutrition programmes and housing assistance. According to a recent Pew Research Center study, one in four immigrants in the US from Bangladesh and Nepal and one in three immigrants from Bhutan already live in poverty. This new rule would put all these individuals at great risk, it said. SAALT said the term "public charge" predated federal immigration law entirely. In the early 1800s, the states would only free individual slaves on the condition that they never become a "public charge". This framework was now being expanded to criminalise the immigrant communities, it said. "This policy is about who this administration considers a desirable immigrant. It is designed to instil fear in immigrant communities of colour and relegate the non-citizens and their families to second-class status," said Suman Raghunathan, Executive Director of SAALT. "It will punish the immigrants who rightfully access the public benefits to which they are entitled, it will punish parents for taking care of their children and it will force immigrant families to choose between citizenship and basic needs," she added. "Rather than taxing the one per cent, this administration chooses to punish immigrant families over and over again. Today, on the one-year anniversary of Muslim Ban 3.0, we say no to more racist and anti-immigrant policies," Raghunathan said. Congressman Bobby Scott from Virginia said the proposed policy was making grounds for denying legal US residency to immigrants. "The Trump administration's 'public charge' proposal would force hundreds of thousands of immigrants to make the impossible choice between receiving basic assistance for food and shelter and risking being separated from their families. "This proposal is cruel, counterproductive and in violation of the basic principles that make America an example for the world," Scott said. According to Congressman Tony Cardenas, the policy is equal parts cruel and senseless. "Not only will this hurt the tax-paying families, it will also have a hugely negative impact on the US economy and on American citizens," he said. In 2014, the immigrants in this country earned USD 1.3 trillion and paid more than USD 223 billion in federal taxes, while paying another USD 105 billion in combined state and local taxes, Cardenas said. "We are talking about people who are vital to the American economy and it is insane to threaten people who are legal, rule-following contributors to American communities. This proposed rule will hurt the grocery stores, farmers and healthcare providers. Our American economy will suffer. It just does not make any sense," he added. "In their quest to shame and isolate immigrants to this country, the Trump administration is gambling with the health of children, wagering that their lives matter less because they were not born here," Congresswoman Judy Chu said. Asserting that there was no justification for this rule change "outside of bald-faced xenophobia", Chu said the change applied to the immigrants who were here legally and had done nothing to merit punishment. "Immigrant families are no less entitled to food or housing support than any other person trying to get by in this unequal economy. Moreover, by working and paying taxes, many of these immigrants have actually earned these benefits. Others, like children and seniors who are not working should not be punished for somebody else's prejudice," she said. The American Immigration Lawyers' Association (AILA) said the new rule would prevent many immigrants from securing lawful permanent residence and remaining with their families in the US, simply because they previously received some type of basic healthcare support, nutrition assistance or other vital services. "The proposed rule is the Trump administration's latest assault on immigrant families, who are integral to the fabric of the American society and have been pivotal to our nation's success," said Benjamin Johnson, AILA executive director.

Proposed changes in green card policy to adversely impact South Asians: SAALT

Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain said today that if the South Asian countries do not learn to overcome their problems then the future generation will have to suffer from its repercussions.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of 7th South Asian Conference on Sanitation here, he said it is necessary to promote mutual cooperation in South Asia by rising above the differences for the prosperity and wellbeing of people.

Hussain said that the current era belongs to Asia and South Asia is the heart of this world.

"The whole world is looking towards us economic corridor is reducing distances between different regions and it has laid the foundation for a new age of regional development and prosperity," he added.

The president emphasised that clean environment in South Asia is essential for the welfare of masses and economic development.

He underscored that basic amenities should be easily available to the people according to the international standards so that life could flourish in this region and investors from all across the world could invest here without any reservations.

He said that Pakistan has witnessed unprecedented progress in the field of sanitation and hygiene during the last three decades.&nbsp;

Hussain said that Pakistan has witnessed unprecedented progress in the field of sanitation and hygiene

Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain said today that if the South Asian countries do not learn to overcome their problems then the future generation will have to suffer from its repercussions. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of 7th South Asian Conference on Sanitation here, he said it is necessary to promote mutual cooperation in South Asia by rising above the differences for the prosperity and wellbeing of people. Hussain said that the current era belongs to Asia and South Asia is the heart of this world. "The whole world is looking towards us economic corridor is reducing distances between different regions and it has laid the foundation for a new age of regional development and prosperity," he added. The president emphasised that clean environment in South Asia is essential for the welfare of masses and economic development. He underscored that basic amenities should be easily available to the people according to the international standards so that life could flourish in this region and investors from all across the world could invest here without any reservations. He said that Pakistan has witnessed unprecedented progress in the field of sanitation and hygiene during the last three decades.