ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has urged for increased legal migration opportunities for Pakistani workers and professionals in Europe. During a meeting with European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner in Islamabad, the President emphasized the need for expanded legal pathways and structured cooperation with the European Union to complement Pakistan’s efforts in curbing irregular migration.
According to Radio Pakistan, President Zardari highlighted the significance of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its implementation. He noted Pakistan’s progress in reducing irregular migration, citing a 64 percent decrease over the past eighteen months, as reported by EU figures. This achievement positions Pakistan as the only country in the region to have accomplished such a reduction. The President called for the EU’s support in strengthening Pakistan’s efforts to combat human trafficking through enhanced institutional capacity and border controls.
The discussion also covered Pakistan’s request for EU assistance to bolster the capabilities of the Pakistan Coast Guards and the Federal Investigation Agency. President Zardari underscored the importance of legal migration pathways to provide safer opportunities for workers and reduce reliance on smuggling networks. He pointed to the Pakistan-EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue as a valuable framework to align Pakistan’s workforce with European labor market needs, expressing optimism for the next round of talks in Brussels.
President Zardari welcomed the expansion of the EU Talent Partnerships framework and advocated for more opportunities for skilled workers, including circular migration. He proposed the establishment of a European Legal Gateway Office in Pakistan to further facilitate legal migration. The President reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to work with the EU on mechanisms to match its workforce with European labor market requirements.
Commissioner Brunner lauded Pakistan’s role in maintaining regional balance and its efforts in preventing dangerous journeys by irregular migrants. The meeting focused on enhancing Pakistan-EU relations, migration management cooperation, and advancing practical collaboration on migration and mobility.