Inaugural Quadrilateral for Migration (Q4M) session in Rome praises Pakistan’s efforts
DNA
ROME: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held significant meetings in Rome with his counterparts from Italy, Spain, and Greece focusing on curbing illegal immigration, human smuggling, and related transnational crimes.
The discussions took place during the inaugural session of the Quadrilateral for Migration (Q4M) dialogue, involving Pakistan, Italy, Spain, and Greece. The four ministers—Mohsin Naqvi (Pakistan), Matteo Piantedosi (Italy’s Interior Minister), Fernando Grande-Marlaska (Spain’s Interior Minister), and Athanasios Plevris (Greece’s Minister for Migration and Asylum)—participated in the multilateral talks and bilateral meetings on the sidelines.
Italy, Spain, and Greece commended Pakistan’s efforts in reducing illegal migration outflows, with reports highlighting a 47% decrease in such attempts linked to Pakistan, as previously noted in European assessments. The European ministers praised Pakistan’s intensified actions, including enhanced monitoring at airports and maritime borders, strict enforcement against smuggling networks, and cooperation with international bodies like Frontex and Interpol.
Key outcomes from the meetings include:Agreement on promoting legal migration pathways as an effective deterrent to irregular flows. Minister Naqvi’s proposal for structured legal channels received strong support from the three European nations.
Commitment to bolster Pakistan’s capacity-building through European Union support.
Consensus on a coordinated strategy and joint policy framework to combat illegal immigration, human smuggling, and drug trafficking.
Decision to facilitate the repatriation of serious criminals from Europe to Pakistan for legal proceedings under Pakistani law.
Establishment of a more effective joint rapid response mechanism.
Agreement to hold the next ministerial meeting later this year in Pakistan.
Minister Naqvi emphasized that mafias involved in illegal immigration have been brought under the law in Pakistan, noting that Europe remains one of the regions most affected by this challenge. He stressed that only collaborative mechanisms can eliminate it effectively.
The European ministers echoed appreciation for Pakistan’s leadership and actions:Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi highlighted Pakistan’s exemplary measures and announced Italy’s issuance of 10,500 work visas for skilled Pakistani workers to promote legal migration (reiterating prior commitments), along with visa exemptions for Pakistani diplomatic passport holders.
Spanish and Greek ministers also lauded the initiatives and thanked Minister Naqvi for his efforts.
The delegation included Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy Ali Javed, DG FIA Dr. Usman Anwar, and other senior officials.
These engagements mark a step forward in regional cooperation to address migration challenges through legal, secure, and coordinated approaches.
