ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said Pakistan has recorded a 64 per cent drop in illegal migration to Europe, highlighting government efforts to curb human smuggling and unlawful migration.
The Interior Minister made the remarks during separate meetings with Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) Susanne Raab and Executive Director of the European Union Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) Hans Leijtens.
The meetings focused on strengthening cooperation to prevent illegal migration, improve border management, and enhance joint efforts in the field.
During the discussions, Pakistan, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and Frontex agreed to expand cooperation aimed at curbing illegal migration and strengthening border security mechanisms.
The International Centre for Migration Policy Development and the European Union’s Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) have commended Pakistan’s effective measures to curb illegal immigration@MohsinnaqviC42 @MOIofficialGoP #RadioPakistan #news https://t.co/K3uOTzFLfb pic.twitter.com/Ow1TLgmg6e
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) September 17, 2026
Coordinated measures for effective border control
The participants also reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated measures for effective migration management and border control.
Mohsin Naqvi said reducing illegal migration by 64 per cent despite limited resources had been a challenging task. He said the government had identified preventing illegal migration as a major challenge and that the entire team had worked continuously to achieve the reduction.
The Interior Minister said the government’s next target was to eliminate illegal migration entirely, adding that all efforts would be directed towards achieving this objective.
He stressed the need to create more avenues for legal migration to further reduce irregular movement.
According to Naqvi, legal pathways can help address migration challenges while ensuring the safe, orderly and regulated movement of people.
Naqvi stressed the need for modern technology and professional training of officers to strengthen efforts against illegal migration. He said the government is focusing on enhancing the capacity of relevant institutions in line with modern requirements to make border management more effective.
He added that practical measures and coordinated cooperation are required to completely eliminate illegal migration. The minister noted that cooperation with ICMPD and Frontex holds significant importance for the country’s migration management efforts.
Pakistan aims to install technologically advanced cameras
Highlighting future plans, Naqvi said Pakistan aims to install technologically advanced cameras at 500 immigration counters across all airports in the country. He explained that the modern surveillance system would help authorities identify and take immediate action against individuals involved in illegal migration and human smuggling.
Director General ICMPD Susanne Raab appreciated Islamabad’s efforts against illegal migration and acknowledged the measures taken by the country to address the issue. She said Pakistan’s progress in reducing illegal migration was noteworthy and assured continued support in achieving the goal of completely eliminating the problem.
The ICMPD delegation also appreciated the Federal Investigation Agency’s Risk Analysis Report and recognised the work being carried out to improve migration monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
Pakistan’s steps to curb illegal migration commended
Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens also commended the country’s steps to curb illegal migration. He stated that the measures adopted by Islamabad had produced positive results and pledged full cooperation in helping the country achieve its target of completely eliminating illegal migration.
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The Frontex delegation included Director International Relations, Governance and Strategy Eva Capogna, Director Intelligence Division Stefano Failla, Head of Unit for International Cooperation Jan Vycital and Senior Liaison Officer to Pakistan Ralf Schopflin.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Special Secretary Interior, and the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency were also present during the meetings.
