Pakistan, EU strengthen bilateral ties, expand skilled worker opportunities

Mettis Global reported that Pakistan and the European Union pledged closer partnership and more openings for skilled workers. The commitment came out of a meeting in Islamabad between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner. Talks focused on migration, institutional cooperation and border control, along with the EU's Eastern Corridor Initiative and joint steps to curb irregular movement of people.

Brunner credited Pakistan's steps with a 64% fall in illegal migration towards Europe, calling the problem a major global test. He also commended the Federal Investigation Agency for working effectively with limited resources, and said the drop could open routes for legal migration.

Naqvi said Pakistan applies a zero-tolerance stance against illegal migration and now aims to eliminate it completely after the 64% reduction. Both governments agreed to deepen work on migration, institutional ties and border control, while encouraging legal immigration and wider skilled employment. Brunner also offered full support for building the operational capacity of the Pakistan Coast Guards, and officials from the interior ministry, FIA and NCCIA attended.