ISLAMABAD: The International Centre for Migration Policy Development and the European Union’s Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, have praised Pakistan’s measures to curb illegal immigration, according to state media reports.
The appreciation came during separate meetings between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, ICMPD Director General Susanne Raab and Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens in Islamabad on Thursday.
Officials agreed to strengthen cooperation on border management and measures aimed at preventing illegal migration.
Naqvi said Pakistan had achieved a 64% reduction in illegal immigration to Europe despite limited resources, crediting government agencies and their personnel for the decline.
Pakistan Targets Complete Elimination of Illegal Immigration
The interior minister said Pakistan’s next target was to reduce illegal immigration further and stressed that expanding legal migration opportunities would play an important role.
Moreover, he called for greater use of modern technology, improved officer training and stronger institutional capacity among agencies responsible for immigration and border management.
Naqvi said authorities were working to modernise border-management systems in line with emerging requirements.
Additionally, the government plans to install advanced cameras at 500 immigration counters across airports nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen monitoring and screening.
ICMPD Offers Further Cooperation to Pakistan
Naqvi described cooperation with ICMPD and Frontex as important for improving Pakistan’s ability to tackle irregular migration.
Meanwhile, Raab praised Pakistan’s efforts to prevent illegal immigration and strengthen border controls.
The ICMPD delegation also commended the Federal Investigation Agency’s risk analysis report, according to the account of the meetings.
Furthermore, ICMPD representatives assured Pakistani officials of continued cooperation in pursuing their stated objective of eliminating illegal immigration.
The meetings focused on strengthening institutional coordination, modernising immigration controls and developing legal migration pathways alongside tougher measures against irregular movement.
