ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported a 64 percent reduction in illegal immigration to Europe. The government shared the figure during meetings with European migration agencies.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held separate meetings in Islamabad on Thursday. He met ICMPD Director General Susanne Raab and Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens.
The International Centre for Migration Policy Development and Frontex praised Pakistan’s measures. Both organizations also agreed to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan.
The discussions focused on border management and preventing Illegal immigration. Officials agreed to expand joint efforts in migration management and border control.
Naqvi said achieving a 64 percent reduction was challenging. He said Pakistan achieved the reduction despite limited resources.
The minister said authorities had treated Illegal immigration as a major challenge. He added that relevant teams worked continuously to address the issue.
Naqvi said Pakistan’s next target is a complete reduction in illegal migration. He also stressed the importance of creating more legal migration opportunities.
According to the minister, legal migration channels can help reduce irregular movement. He also highlighted the need for modern technology and better officer training.
Pakistan is also working to improve the capacity of relevant institutions. The government wants stronger border management systems across the country.
Naqvi said modern cameras would be installed at 500 immigration counters. These counters are located across airports throughout Pakistan.
The technology is intended to strengthen immigration monitoring and border controls. It is also expected to help identify people involved in human smuggling.
The minister said cooperation with ICMPD and Frontex remains important. He described international cooperation as a key part of Pakistan’s migration management efforts.
Susanne Raab praised Pakistan’s efforts to address Illegal immigration. The ICMPD delegation also appreciated the Federal Investigation Agency’s risk analysis report.
Raab said ICMPD would continue supporting Pakistan’s efforts. The organization will provide cooperation toward the government’s stated objectives.
Frontex chief Hans Leijtens also praised Pakistan’s measures. He said the agency would contribute toward efforts to further reduce illegal migration.
The meetings also covered broader border management cooperation. Officials discussed strengthening coordinated measures between Pakistan and European agencies.
Pakistan’s government has placed greater focus on migration controls. It has also emphasized institutional capacity and technology.
The 64 percent reduction cited by Naqvi concerns migration from Pakistan toward Europe. The figure was presented by the interior minister during Thursday’s meetings.
The government says further progress will require multiple measures. These include legal migration pathways, improved border controls and trained officials.
The planned technology upgrades are also expected to support immigration authorities. The government aims to make screening processes more effective.
The latest meetings indicate continued cooperation between Pakistan and European migration agencies. Both sides have agreed to strengthen efforts against irregular migration.
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Pakistan’s next stated objective is further reducing Illegal immigration. Officials say cooperation with international partners will remain important in achieving that goal.
