BRUSSELS/ISLAMABAD, (Unib Rashid) – Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, with both sides agreeing to strengthen cooperation in promoting legal migration, preventing irregular migration, enhancing border security, and improving institutional coordination.

The meeting was also attended by delegations from both sides, which held discussions on a range of issues related to migration management and bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, European Commissioner Magnus Brunner praised Pakistan’s efforts to curb irregular migration, noting that irregular migration from Pakistan towards Europe had declined by 64 percent as a result of the country’s effective measures.

Brunner commended the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for demonstrating professionalism and operational capability despite limited resources. He said the decline in irregular migration could help create more opportunities for legal migration, highlighting the importance of continued cooperation between Pakistan and the European Union.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against irregular migration. He stated that following the 64 percent reduction, Pakistan’s next target was to eliminate irregular migration completely.

Naqvi described irregular migration as a serious global challenge and stressed the need for Pakistan and the European Union to work together to address the issue.

The two sides also discussed ways to promote legal migration and expand opportunities in Europe for skilled Pakistani workers. They agreed to further strengthen cooperation in migration management, institutional coordination, and border management.

Both sides also decided to work together on the European Union’s Eastern Corridor Initiative to help combat irregular migration. Discussions were also held on enhancing cooperation to strengthen the operational capacity of the Pakistan Coast Guards and improve border security.

European Commissioner Magnus Brunner assured Pakistan of the European Union’s full cooperation in efforts to prevent irregular migration and advance collaboration in related areas.

The meeting was attended by the Interior Secretary, special and additional secretaries of the Interior Ministry, the Director General of the FIA, the Inspector General of the Federal Constabulary, the Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), the Director General of Passports, the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, and other senior officials.