Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner discuss migration cooperation, human-smuggling prevention and legal pathways for Pakistani workers.
Web Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and European Union Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner have discussed strengthening cooperation on migration, tackling migrant smuggling and expanding legal employment opportunities for Pakistani workers.
Brunner met the prime minister in Islamabad on October 13 during his first visit to Pakistan, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office reported by Dawn.
Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to curb irregular migration and combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking through legislative reforms, stronger institutions, enforcement measures and international cooperation.
Pakistan Calls for More Legal Migration Routes
The prime minister said action against irregular migration should be accompanied by practical opportunities for safe, orderly and regular migration.
He noted that expanding legal pathways for skilled Pakistani workers and professionals could help meet labour-market needs in European countries while reducing prospective migrants’ vulnerability to smuggling networks.
Brunner welcomed Pakistan’s measures and cooperation. He expressed confidence that the efforts could support legal migration pathways and mutually beneficial labour mobility between Pakistan and the European Union.
The discussions were held under the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan 2019, which includes migration and mobility among its areas of cooperation.
Naqvi and EU Commissioner Discuss Border Security
Separately, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Brunner to discuss border security, border management, legal migration and institutional cooperation.
According to Dawn, Brunner praised Pakistan’s measures against irregular migration and cited a reported 64 per cent reduction in illegal migration to Europe.
Naqvi said Pakistan had adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal migration. He described the reduction as progress and said the government’s next target was to eliminate irregular migration.
The two sides also discussed working together under the EU’s Eastern Corridor Initiative, strengthening immigration coordination and improving the capacity of the Pakistan Coast Guards.
Brunner assured Pakistan of the EU’s cooperation, according to the report.
Focus on Skilled Workers and International Cooperation
The meetings reflect a shared focus on reducing irregular migration while creating regulated routes for workers to travel abroad.
Pakistan has argued that legal migration opportunities are an important part of addressing the issue. In February 2026, Pakistan and Italy, Spain and Greece reached a consensus on promoting legal pathways as part of efforts to combat irregular migration and human smuggling.
