Rome, 26 February 2026(Kamran Raja): Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi held important meetings in Rome with the Interior Ministers of Italy and Spain and the Migration Minister of Greece. The four ministers participated in a 4-nation conference aimed at curbing illegal migration. Italy, Spain, and Greece highly appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and paid tribute to the 47% reduction in illegal migration. The three European countries agreed with the Pakistani Interior Minister’s proposal to curb illegal migration through legal pathways and decided to extend full support to Pakistan for capacity building through the European Union. Pakistan, Italy, Spain, and Greece agreed to adopt a coordinated strategy at all levels to combat illegal migration. A joint policy framework was finalized to counter illegal migration, human smuggling, and narcotics trafficking. It was also agreed that criminals involved in serious offenses would be repatriated from Europe to Pakistan to face legal proceedings under the law.
The four ministers emphasized strengthening coordination and enhancing a joint and rapid response mechanism. They also decided to hold the next meeting in Pakistan later this year. Mohsin Naqvi stated that mafias involved in illegal migration have been brought under the law and stressed that Europe is among the most affected regions by illegal migration. He noted that only a coordinated mechanism can effectively address this challenge. Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, and Greece’s Migration Minister Athanasios Plevris praised Pakistan’s measures against illegal migration. The Italian Interior Minister said Pakistani institutions have taken excellent steps, while the Spanish Interior Minister commended the exemplary actions taken under Minister Naqvi’s leadership. The three European ministers expressed gratitude to Minister Mohsin Naqvi for Pakistan’s efforts.
The meeting also underscored the need to enhance coordination and promote bilateral cooperation. Pakistan’s Ambassador Ali Javed, DG FIA Dr. Usman Anwar, and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.