Rome, February 25, 2026(Kamran Raja): Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with his Italian counterpart, Matteo Piantedosi, in Rome. During the meeting, both sides reviewed internal security cooperation between Pakistan and Italy, as well as measures to curb illegal immigration. The Italian Interior Minister stated that, in order to promote legal migration, Italy will issue 10,500 work visas for Pakistan’s skilled labor force. At the request of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, holders of Pakistani diplomatic passports will be granted visa exemption for Italy. The Italian Interior Minister recalled that this matter had been raised in a previous meeting regarding visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders.
The two ministers also discussed enhancing cooperation in combating narcotics trafficking, human smuggling, and terrorism. Both sides appreciated the ongoing measures to prevent illegal immigration and human smuggling. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed his counterpart on the effective steps taken by the Government of Pakistan to curb illegal immigration. He highlighted that strict monitoring at airports and maritime borders has led to a significant reduction in illegal immigration. The Italian Interior Minister praised the effective policies of Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior in addressing illegal immigration. He further commended the achievements of Pakistani institutions in tackling illegal immigration, human smuggling, and drug trafficking. Both sides agreed to enhance mutual cooperation to promote legal migration. The Italian Interior Minister reaffirmed Italy’s readiness to expand cooperation with Pakistan in areas of shared interest. During the meeting, officers of the Punjab Police briefed the participants on the utility and effectiveness of the Police Khidmat Markaz Global initiative, which was highly appreciated.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy, Ali Javed, Director General FIA Dr. Usman Anwar, Managing Director Punjab Safe City Authority, Ahsan Younas and senior police officers Abid Khan and Sohail Chaudhry were also present on the occasion.