The European Union has applauded Pakistan for achieving a striking 47 percent reduction in attempts by migrants to reach Europe through illegal routes, commonly known as the “dunki” method.
The acknowledgement came during a high-level meeting in Brussels between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior Affairs and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi and EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, it was reported on Thursday.
Both sides discussed in detail the ongoing efforts to curb irregular migration, dismantle human-smuggling networks and expand bilateral cooperation.
Naqvi and Brunner agreed to reinforce coordinated strategies targeting illegal immigration, human trafficking and drug smuggling, while also enhancing all possible cooperation, including structured information-sharing mechanisms.
Commissioner Brunner lauded Pakistan’s “exemplary measures,” noting the steep drop in migrant attempts over the past year. He announced that he would soon visit Pakistan to personally commend its efforts and discuss the next phase of cooperation.
Interior Minister Naqvi told the EU Commissioner Brunner that Pakistan has arrested 1,770 human smugglers and facilitators this year, calling the crackdown a clear demonstration of the government’s zero-tolerance policy.
He emphasised that the nexus between traffickers, drug cartels and terrorist groups poses a grave challenge to all countries, making close international cooperation indispensable.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to jointly combat illegal migration and organised trafficking networks in the months ahead.
Earlier during his Brussels engagements, Mohsin Naqvi also met his Jordanian counterpart, where Pakistan and Jordan agreed to deepen collaboration in counter-narcotics operations and police training.
The discussion also referenced the recent state visit of Jordan’s King Abdullah II to Pakistan on 15 November 2025, which reinvigorated bilateral ties.
