- Interior Minister meets EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, vow stronger coordinated strategy against human trafficking
- Naqvi says 1,770 human smugglers arrested this year, highlighting 47% drop in illegal migration attempts
- Stresses global role in anti-narcotics and anti-smuggling efforts with both sides agree on deeper intelligence sharing, future cooperation
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi held a key meeting with European Union Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner in Brussels, where both sides discussed coordinated measures to curb illegal migration, combat human trafficking, and deepen bilateral cooperation.
During the meeting, Commissioner Brunner highly appreciated Pakistan’s efforts, noting a 47% reduction in attempts to reach Europe through illegal routes over the past year. He termed Pakistan’s actions “exemplary” and praised the government for its strong crackdown on human smugglers.
Commissioner Brunner announced that he would visit Pakistan soon to acknowledge the country’s efforts against illegal migration and to hold direct consultations on future strategies.
Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed the EU side that 1,770 human smugglers and their agents have been arrested in Pakistan this year, reflecting the government’s “zero-tolerance policy” against illegal migration.
Both sides agreed to further strengthen a joint and coordinated strategy against illegal migration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. They also decided to increase cooperation, including intensified information sharing.
Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan is playing a “leading role globally” against human trafficking and narcotics control. He added that the nexus between smugglers, drug mafias, and terrorists poses a serious challenge for every country, stressing that close international cooperation is essential to counter these threats.
Both Pakistan and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to continue working together in the future against illegal migration and human trafficking.
