Pakistan, Greece Agree to Boost Migration Cooperation
ROME : Pakistan and Greece have agreed to strengthen cooperation on migration management, focusing on curbing illegal immigration and human smuggling while promoting legal pathways for workers.
The understanding was reached during a meeting in Rome between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Greece’s Minister for Migration and Asylum Athanasios Plevris.
According to officials present at the meeting, both sides agreed to take joint measures against illegal immigration and human trafficking networks. The two ministers emphasized the need for coordinated strategies to dismantle smuggling operations and enhance border management.
Naqvi, Plevris Discuss Curbing Illegal Immigration
At the same time, they underlined the importance of expanding legal migration channels. It was agreed in principle to increase the number of work visas in order to encourage lawful migration and provide regulated employment opportunities. Both ministers described legal migration as a key component of sustainable migration management.
The meeting also resulted in an agreement to finalize a long-pending migration cooperation pact between Pakistan and Greece, which has been under discussion for the past two years. Officials said the agreement is expected to provide a formal framework for collaboration on migration governance, information sharing, and capacity building.
To ensure consistent coordination, the two sides decided to establish a joint working group. The proposed body will oversee implementation of agreed measures, address operational challenges, and facilitate regular communication between relevant authorities.
Pakistan Reaffirms Zero Tolerance on Human Smuggling
The Greek minister commended Pakistan’s efforts to combat illegal immigration and human smuggling, acknowledging measures taken by Islamabad to strengthen enforcement and policy responses. He expressed readiness to enhance cooperation with Pakistan at all levels to promote safe and orderly migration.
Interior Minister Naqvi reiterated that Pakistan has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward human smuggling and irregular migration. He stressed that preventing illegal movement requires parallel expansion of legal avenues, including structured labor mobility programs.
Naqvi also welcomed potential Greek support in enhancing the professional capacity of Pakistan’s police and paramilitary forces, particularly in technology-based operations. He noted that modern tools and data-driven systems are essential to effectively counter transnational criminal networks.
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During the visit, Punjab Police officers briefed participants about the Police Khidmat Markaz Global initiative, outlining its services and operational framework. The Greek minister appreciated the initiative, describing it as a positive step toward improved public service delivery and administrative transparency.
Naqvi, Plevris Discuss Curbing Illegal Immigration
Several senior officials attended the meeting, including Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy Ali Javed, Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency Dr. Usman Anwar, Managing Director of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority Ahsan Younis, and senior police officers Suhail Chaudhry and Abid Khan.
The engagement reflects growing dialogue between Islamabad and Athens on migration governance at a time when irregular migration remains a pressing concern for European states. Both sides expressed optimism that structured cooperation and expanded legal pathways would contribute to reducing unlawful migration while strengthening bilateral ties.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to maintain close coordination and advance practical steps aimed at fostering safe, legal, and mutually beneficial migration between the two countries.
