The meeting was followed by delegation-level talks, during which both sides agreed to enhance cooperation on border management, institutional coordination and the promotion of legal migration.
Brunner praised Pakistan’s efforts to curb illegal migration, describing a reported 64 per cent decline in irregular migration to Europe as a significant achievement. He also commended the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for demonstrating professionalism despite limited resources.
The European commissioner said reducing illegal migration could help create more opportunities for people to migrate through legal channels.
Naqvi said Pakistan had adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal migration. Following the reported 64 per cent reduction, he said the government’s next target was to eliminate the problem completely.
Describing illegal migration as a serious global challenge, the interior minister stressed the need for Pakistan and the European Union to work together to address it effectively.
The two sides also discussed expanding legal migration opportunities and creating more pathways for skilled Pakistani workers to access employment opportunities in Europe.
Both agreed to strengthen cooperation on the European Union’s Eastern Corridor Initiative, which aims to combat illegal migration. They also discussed increasing support to enhance the operational capacity of the Pakistan Coast Guards, with Brunner assuring Pakistan of the EU’s full cooperation in this regard.
Senior Pakistani officials attending the meeting included the interior secretary, senior interior ministry officials, the FIA director general, the Federal Constabulary inspector general, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency director general, the director general of passports and the Islamabad chief commissioner.