WASHINGTON: A US judge on Friday found that a Trump administration policy to block the issue of immigrant visas to applicants from 75 countries, including Pakistan, went beyond Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s legislative power.

U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas in Manhattan ruled the policy announced by the State Department in January was “patently unlawful” and violated federal immigration law, which expressly divested the secretary of state of responsibility over processing of immigrant visas by consular personnel.The Policy is a blatant abrogation of this statutory structure, she said, and it categorically precludes the issue of immigrant visas depending upon the nationality of the applicant.

The suspension, which went into effect in January, was imposed by the State Department for applicants from Latin American countries like Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay; Balkan countries like Bosnia and Albania; South Asian countries Pakistan and Bangladesh; and applicants from many countries in Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean.

The State Department said those applicants were “at a high risk for becoming a public charge and recourse to local, state and federal government resources in the United States.” The department did not immediately return a request for comment on the verdict.

The verdict was made by Vargas, an appointee of Democratic former president Joe Biden, in a complaint filed by immigrant rights groups Catholic Legal Immigration Network and African Communities And for those who are seeking immigrant visas and for U.S. citizens who are petitioning for immigrant visas for family members from the selected nations.

President Donald Trump has launched an aggressive assault on immigration that he says is intended to improve domestic security.

Rights groups believe the crackdown has breached free expression and due process rights and has created a hazardous environment, especially for ethnic minorities, who have voiced concerns about racial profiling.

– Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and inquired about his health, conveying his wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.

According to an official statement, the two leaders expressed satisfaction over positive developments in Pakistan-Malaysia bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further accelerating cooperation, particularly in trade and investment.

The leaders also discussed the regional situation, especially developments in the Gulf. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and stability and expressed gratitude for the leadership, efforts and guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked his Malaysian counterpart for Malaysia’s continued support for Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace. He said Pakistan would continue working closely with brotherly and friendly countries, including Malaysia, to advance peace and would pursue joint efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East.

The two prime ministers also agreed to meet in the near future at a mutually convenient time. 

The government has again hiked prices of fuel and high speed diesel and announced the new rates that would be effective for three days from Aug 22 to Aug 24.

An official statement said on Friday that the fuel price has been increased by Rs3.81 per litre to Rs341.59 per litre.

The price of high-speed diesel has also been raised by Rs3.59 per litre and the new price is Rs368.29 per litre.

The new tariffs will be effective from Aug 22 and will be valid till Aug 24.

The newest move comes after another change in petroleum prices as the government is revising fuel costs more often under its new pricing methodology.

Petrol and diesel costs remain significant to consumers and businesses as they directly effect household spending, transport and economic activity.

With the recent rise, a consumer buying 40 litres of fuel will now spend roughly Rs13,664, while filling a 50-litre tank will cost around Rs17,080 at the new rate.

High speed diesel has wider impact on economy through its wide use in transportation of commodities, agriculture and commercial vehicles. Higher diesel prices can raise freight and logistics costs, which can increase the cost of moving key commodities and other goods.