Pakistan’s top leaders and EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner meet in Islamabad to build on a 64 per cent fall in irregular migration, expand legal pathways for skilled workers, and strengthen border cooperation under the Strategic Engagement Plan.

European Union Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner held a series of high-level meetings in Islamabad this week with Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The talks centred on migration management, efforts to dismantle smuggling networks, and the creation of safer, legal routes for Pakistani workers seeking opportunities in Europe. Officials on both sides described the discussions as constructive, framing them within the broader Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan of 2019, of which migration and mobility form one of eight pillars.

The visit marks Brunner’s first trip to Pakistan and comes against the backdrop of measurable progress. According to figures cited by Pakistani leaders and acknowledged by the EU side, irregular migration from Pakistan to Europe has fallen by 64 per cent over the past 18 months. Pakistan has also readmitted more than 30,000 individuals under the EU Readmission Agreement in recent years. Interior Minister Naqvi has repeatedly stated that the country maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal migration and aims for its complete elimination.

Leadership Stresses Balance Between Enforcement and Opportunity

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Brunner and underscored the importance Pakistan attaches to its partnership with the European Union. He highlighted sustained domestic measures – legislative reforms, institutional strengthening, enhanced enforcement, and international cooperation – aimed at curbing irregular migration, migrant smuggling, and human trafficking.

Sharif emphasised that enforcement alone is insufficient. Efforts to reduce irregular flows, he said, must be matched by practical opportunities for safe, orderly, and regular migration. Expanding legal pathways for skilled Pakistani workers and professionals would help meet labour-market needs in European countries while reducing the vulnerability of prospective migrants to criminal networks. Brunner expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s measures and confidence that the progress would support mutually beneficial labour mobility.

President Zardari struck a similar note during his meeting at the President’s House. He called for greater opportunities for legal migration of Pakistani workers and professionals, stressing that Pakistan’s efforts to curb irregular migration should be complemented by expanded legal pathways, skills-based mobility, and structured cooperation. Zardari pointed to the Pakistan-EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue as a useful framework for matching Pakistan’s human-resource potential with European labour-market requirements. He expressed hope that the next round of the dialogue, expected in Brussels early next year, would advance practical outcomes.

The president also urged the EU to consider establishing a European Legal Gateway Office in Pakistan and to expand the Talent Partnerships framework, including circular migration options. Pakistan has sought EU assistance to strengthen the capacity of the Pakistan Coast Guards and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to combat smuggling more effectively.

Zero-Tolerance Policy and Institutional Gains

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Brunner for detailed discussions on border security, legal migration, and border management. The two sides held delegation-level talks and agreed to deepen cooperation on immigration, institutional coordination, and the EU’s Eastern Corridor Initiative, which targets smuggling routes linking Asia and Europe.

Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s zero-tolerance stance and noted that, following the 64 per cent reduction, the next target is complete elimination of illegal migration. Brunner described the reduction as commendable and praised the FIA for demonstrating professional competence despite limited resources. Both sides discussed enhancing the operational capacity of the Pakistan Coast Guards and increasing collaboration on border security.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, in his separate meeting with the commissioner, expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in Pakistan-EU relations. He highlighted Pakistan’s efforts against irregular migration and trafficking and stressed the need for greater legal opportunities for skilled workers. Brunner acknowledged the progress and the potential for expanding legal pathways.

These discussions build on earlier cooperation. In late 2025, Pakistan hosted an international conference on countering the smuggling of migrants in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the International Organization for Migration, with EU support. That gathering reinforced regional coordination and commitments under the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Earlier in 2025, Pakistan reported a 47 per cent drop in illegal “dunki” route attempts and the arrest of 1,770 human smugglers and agents, figures that Brunner had previously described as exemplary during talks in Brussels.

Broader Context of Regional and Global Migration Challenges

The Pakistan-EU dialogue reflects wider pressures on migration routes from South Asia toward Europe. Migrant smuggling networks have long exploited economic hardship, limited legal options, and porous borders. Tragic incidents, including the 2023 Greece boat disaster that claimed hundreds of lives, many of them Pakistani, underscored the human cost of irregular journeys.

Pakistan occupies a strategic geographic position linking South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, making it both a source and transit country. Criminal networks have adapted by using land and sea routes, often overlapping with other illicit trades. Strengthening institutions such as the FIA and Coast Guards, improving intelligence sharing, and creating structured legal channels are therefore viewed by both sides as essential components of a sustainable response.

The emphasis on legal pathways also responds to demographic and labour realities in Europe, where ageing populations and sector-specific shortages create demand for skilled workers. Pakistani officials have repeatedly argued that matching these needs with Pakistan’s young workforce through orderly mechanisms reduces incentives for dangerous irregular travel. Related development challenges across South Asia, including the high toll of migrant deaths on Asia-Pacific routes documented by international organisations, further illustrate why safe mobility frameworks matter beyond any single bilateral relationship. 

Practical Outcomes Expected

Both sides expressed optimism that Brunner’s visit would yield concrete results. Pakistan remains committed to implementing the Strategic Engagement Plan across all pillars and to continued cooperation under the Readmission Agreement. The EU has signalled readiness to support capacity building and to explore expanded Talent Partnerships.

The next Pakistan-EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue in Brussels is expected to provide a platform for advancing these commitments. Officials also pointed to ongoing work on the Eastern Corridor Initiative and potential support for border management technologies and training.

In a region where irregular migration intersects with economic pressures, security concerns, and development priorities, the Islamabad meetings illustrate a pragmatic approach: pair robust enforcement against smuggling networks with expanded, regulated opportunities that serve the interests of both origin and destination countries.