Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has urged for expanded legal migration opportunities for Pakistani workers and professionals in Europe, highlighting Pakistan’s efforts to curb irregular migration. He emphasized that these efforts should be met with increased legal pathways and cooperation with the European Union.

According to Press Information Department, the President shared these views during a meeting with Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, held at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The dialogue centered on Pakistan-EU relations, migration management, human trafficking, and legal migration facilitation.

President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to its cooperation with the EU under the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan. He noted Pakistan’s implementation of the EU Readmission Agreement, having readmitted over 30,000 individuals, and its legislative and institutional efforts to combat human trafficking and irregular migration.

Highlighting a 64% reduction in irregular migration from Pakistan, the President urged for expansion of safe and legal migration avenues. He also requested EU assistance to strengthen Pakistani agencies combating irregular migration and emphasized the importance of legal migration pathways to reduce reliance on smuggling networks.

The meeting discussed the Pakistan-EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue, aiming to align Pakistan’s workforce with European labor needs. President Zardari welcomed the EU Talent Partnerships framework expansion and proposed a European Legal Gateway Office in Pakistan.

Commissioner Brunner acknowledged Pakistan’s regional role and efforts in preventing dangerous migration attempts. The meeting included EU and Pakistani officials, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between the two regions.