Offers full support to strengthen institutions working against illegal immigration
ISLAMABAD:
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held important meetings in Rome with his Italian, Spanish counterparts and the migration minister of Greece on the sidelines of a four-nation conference aimed at tackling illegal immigration.
The interior ministers of all four countries participated in the conference hosted in Rome to discuss coordinated strategies to curb illegal migration. Italy, Spain and Greece praised Pakistan for its effective measures, noting a 47% reduction in illegal migration towards their countries.
The three European nations also endorsed Pakistan’s proposal to block illegal migration through legal pathways, agreeing that structured legal channels can significantly reduce irregular movement.
In a major development, the ministers decided that the European Union will enhance Pakistan’s capacity-building efforts, offering full support to strengthen institutions working against illegal immigration.
All four countries agreed to adopt a comprehensive, multi-level strategy to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and drug smuggling. A joint policy framework will be developed, and criminals involved in serious offences will be repatriated from Europe to Pakistan for legal action — a decision finalized during the meeting.
The ministers emphasized strengthening cooperation in all areas of mutual interest and agreed to establish a rapid response mechanism to ensure immediate and coordinated action.
Another key outcome was the decision to hold the next meeting in Pakistan later this year.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that Pakistan has taken strong action against mafias involved in illegal immigration, adding that Europe remains the most affected region. “Only through a joint mechanism can this challenge be overcome,” he asserted.
Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, and Greece’s Migration Minister Athanasios Plevris praised Pakistan’s efforts and thanked Minister Mohsin Naqvi for his leadership.
Pakistan’s Ambassador Ali Javed, FIA Director General Dr. Usman Anwar and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.
