Rome (Web Desk/Agencies): Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi engaged in high-level discussions in Rome with the interior ministers of Italy and Spain, as well as Greece’s migration minister, during a four-nation conference dedicated to tackling illegal migration.
The conference, hosted in Rome, brought together officials from all four countries to explore coordinated measures to curb unlawful migration. Italy, Spain, and Greece commended Pakistan for its effective actions, noting that illegal migration from Pakistan to their countries had dropped by 47 percent.
The European ministers also endorsed Pakistan’s suggestion to manage migration through formal legal channels, agreeing that organized and regulated pathways can significantly limit irregular movement.
In a significant decision, the ministers announced that the European Union would support Pakistan’s capacity-building efforts, providing assistance to strengthen institutions responsible for combating illegal immigration.
All four nations agreed to implement a comprehensive, multi-layered strategy addressing illegal migration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. They resolved to develop a joint policy framework and to repatriate individuals involved in serious crimes from Europe to Pakistan for prosecution, a move finalized during the meeting.
The ministers emphasized enhancing collaboration across all mutual areas of interest and decided to establish a rapid response system to ensure coordinated and immediate action. They also agreed that the next meeting would take place in Pakistan later this year.
Minister Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s decisive measures against mafias operating in illegal migration, underlining that Europe remains the most affected region. “This issue can only be tackled through a joint mechanism,” 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 initiatives and commended Minister Naqvi for his leadership.
The meeting was also attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador Ali Javed, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General Dr. Usman Anwar, and other senior officials.