WARSAW: A high-level six-nation conference on illegal migration and security cooperation convened in Warsaw, bringing together interior ministers from Europe alongside Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who led the Pakistani delegation.

The meeting focused on preventing illegal migration, dismantling human smuggling networks and expanding security cooperation. The conference was hosted by Poland’s interior minister Marcin Kierwinski.

Other key participants included Igor Taro of Estonia, Richards Kozlovskis of Latvia, Heikki Tamminen of Finland, and Gintaras Aliksandravicius of Lithuania.

All six ministers praised Pakistan for its firm action against illegal migration and human smuggling, acknowledging what they termed an aggressive crackdown that has produced “visible and encouraging results.”

The participating countries agreed to develop a joint roadmap aimed at discouraging illegal migration while promoting regulated and safe migration pathways. In a significant decision, all European states present agreed to open official employment opportunities for Pakistani citizens under legal migration frameworks.

The ministers also decided to appoint focal persons within their respective interior ministries to enhance coordination and information sharing.

Delegates held detailed discussions on internal security, counter-terrorism, border management and anti-narcotics strategies.

Briefing the conference, Naqvi spoke about the evolving situation along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, stating that 22 terrorist organisations are currently operating inside Afghanistan. He said Pakistan serves as a barrier between militants based in Afghanistan and the rest of the world.

Naqvi highlighted that Pakistan’s crackdown on human smuggling networks has led to a 47% decrease in illegal migration from Pakistan to Europe. He emphasised that Pakistan and European nations can collectively overcome migration challenges through sustained cooperation.

The Pakistani delegation also included Ambassador Muhammad Sami, Director General FIA Usman Anwar, DIG Ahsan Younas, Abid Khan and Sohail Chaudhary, who participated in the deliberations throughout the conference.