Offers full support to strengthen institutions that work against illegal immigration
ISLAMABAD:
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held key meetings in Rome with his Italian and Spanish counterparts and Greece’s Migration Minister on the sidelines of a four-nation conference aimed at tackling illegal immigration.
The interior ministers of the four countries participated in the conference held in Rome to discuss coordinated strategies to curb illegal migration. Italy, Spain and Greece praised Pakistan for its effective measures and noted a 47% reduction in illegal migration to their countries.
The three European nations also supported Pakistan’s proposal to block illegal migration through legal channels, 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 by offering full support to strengthen institutions working against illegal immigration.
The four countries agreed to adopt a comprehensive multi-level strategy to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and drug smuggling. A joint political framework will be developed and criminals involved in serious crimes will be repatriated from Europe to Pakistan for legal action, a decision that was taken 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 said Pakistan has cracked down on mafias involved in illegal immigration, adding that Europe remains the worst-affected region. “Only through a joint mechanism can this challenge be overcome,” he stated.
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.
Pakistani Ambassador Ali Javed, FIA Director General Dr Usman Anwar and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.
