Islamabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: After Italy, several more European countries have agreed to open employment opportunities for Pakistani workers under formal government-level arrangements, officials said following a high-level meeting on migration cooperation.
Interior ministers from six countries met to discuss irregular migration and human smuggling, with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also in attendance. During the conference, European states expressed willingness to enhance cooperation with Pakistan and facilitate the legal exchange of workforce through structured mechanisms.
According to the joint declaration, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Finland and Lithuania agreed in principle to provide employment opportunities to Pakistani nationals through official channels. The participating countries also committed to strengthening coordination to curb illegal immigration and dismantle human trafficking networks.
The ministers acknowledged Pakistan’s recent actions against human smuggling networks and measures to prevent irregular migration, describing them as positive developments.
It was agreed that all six countries would appoint focal persons within their respective interior ministries to improve information sharing and institutional coordination, aiming to address shared migration challenges through a unified strategy.
Speaking at the meeting, Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan remains a strong barrier against terrorism, particularly in the context of Afghanistan. He added that intensified crackdowns on human trafficking networks have led to a reported 47% reduction in irregular migration toward Europe.
Officials emphasized that sustained cooperation and coordinated enforcement measures between Pakistan and European countries are essential to effectively manage migration and expand legal employment pathways.
