The European Union (EU) has praised Pakistan for a 47 per cent decrease in attempts to enter Europe through illegal routes.
During a visit to Brussels, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Khawaja Muhammad Asif Naqvi, met EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner. The officials discussed unlawful immigration, human smuggling, and ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Commissioner Brunner called Pakistan’s efforts “exemplary” and announced plans to visit the country soon for further consultations on illegal migration. He stressed that collaboration is essential to address cross-border crime and migration challenges.
Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s strong action against human smugglers. He said 1,770 smugglers and agents have been arrested this year, demonstrating the government’s zero-tolerance stance on unlawful immigration.
Both sides agreed to develop a joint strategy to combat human smuggling, unlawful migration, and drug trafficking. They also emphasized the importance of sharing information and intelligence to improve cooperation.
“Smugglers, drug mafias, and terrorists often operate together, creating threats for all countries. Strong international collaboration is crucial to tackle these challenges,” Naqvi added.
The EU and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation. Both sides agreed that tackling unlawful migration requires a comprehensive approach, combining law enforcement, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian measures.
This meeting strengthens Pakistan-EU relations and sets the stage for future cooperation on migration management and border security. Officials said that sustained efforts will ensure safer migration routes and reduce illegal entry attempts.
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Experts say Pakistan’s proactive measures, praised by the EU, could serve as a model for other countries facing similar migration challenges. Both parties emphasized that ongoing dialogue and joint action are key to maintaining regional security and stability.
