ISLAMABAD: European countries have formally recognized Pakistan’s efforts to prevent illegal immigration, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with the interior ministers of Italy, Spain and Greece in Rome during a four-nation conference focused on curbing illegal migration.
During the meeting, the European ministers praised Pakistan’s measures, noting a 47% reduction in illegal immigration as a significant achievement.
Minister Naqvi proposed addressing illegal immigration through legal pathways, a suggestion supported by all three European ministers. They also agreed on adopting a coordinated strategy to tackle illegal immigration at all levels and enhancing Pakistan’s capacity with support from the European Union.
The four ministers committed to strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, creating a joint policy framework against illegal migration, human smuggling, and narcotics trafficking, returning criminals involved in serious offenses from Europe to Pakistan for legal action, and implementing an effective rapid-response system for immediate action.
A future follow-up meeting is planned to be hosted in Pakistan later this year.
Mohsin Naqvi highlighted that mafia networks involved in illegal migration have been brought under the law, emphasizing that Europe is among the most affected by illegal migration, and the challenge can only be addressed through a joint mechanism.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska and Greek Minister of Migration Athanasios Plevris praised Pakistan’s actions to curb illegal immigration to Europe.
