ICMPD, Frontex appreciate Pakistan's effective measures to curb illegal immigration

Islamabad (Web Desk): The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the European Union’s Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, have recognized Pakistan’s efforts to reduce illegal immigration and strengthen measures aimed at controlling irregular movement across its borders.

The acknowledgement was made during separate meetings in Islamabad between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, ICMPD Director General Susanne Raab and Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens.

The meetings also focused on expanding cooperation between Pakistan, ICMPD and Frontex to tackle illegal immigration. The parties agreed to increase coordination in border management and step up joint measures aimed at preventing irregular migration.

Speaking on the occasion, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan had managed to bring illegal immigration down by 64 percent despite having limited resources, describing the achievement as a difficult task.

He said the country had taken the challenge of controlling illegal immigration seriously, with the concerned teams working around the clock to meet the objective.

Naqvi said Pakistan’s next goal is to achieve a 100 percent reduction in illegal immigration, adding that every possible effort would be made to reach this target.

He stressed that expanding legal migration opportunities is necessary to address illegal migration, while modern technology and enhanced training for immigration officials would also play an important role in preventing unlawful movement.

The interior minister said authorities were working to improve the institutional capabilities of relevant agencies according to modern requirements so that the country’s border management system could become more effective.

He added that the installation of advanced surveillance cameras at 500 immigration counters located at airports across Pakistan is among the major tasks being pursued.

Naqvi also highlighted the importance of continued cooperation with ICMPD and Frontex, saying their partnership would be vital in strengthening Pakistan’s efforts to control illegal immigration.

ICMPD Director General Susanne Raab, meanwhile, appreciated Pakistan’s initiatives to tackle illegal immigration.

The ICMPD delegation also praised the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) risk analysis report and assured Pakistan that it would provide all possible cooperation to help achieve the objective of completely eliminating illegal immigration.