Islamabad: The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the European Union’s Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) have praised Pakistan for its effective measures in curbing illegal immigration. This acknowledgment came during separate meetings in Islamabad involving Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and senior officials from both organizations.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meetings concluded with a decision to enhance mutual cooperation between Pakistan, ICMPD, and Frontex to prevent illegal immigration. Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening joint efforts on border management and curbing illegal immigration.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi highlighted the achievement of a 64 percent reduction in illegal immigration, noting the efforts came despite limited resources. Naqvi emphasized the importance of opening new avenues for legal migration, adopting modern technology, and improving officers’ training to prevent illegal immigration. He also mentioned plans to enhance the capacity of relevant agencies and install modern technology-equipped cameras at 500 immigration counters across the country’s airports.

ICMPD Director General Susanne Raab and Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens commended Pakistan’s efforts, with the ICMPD delegation expressing support for Pakistan’s goal of completely eliminating illegal immigration. Naqvi reiterated that achieving a 100 percent reduction in illegal immigration is the next target, a goal he is determined to meet.