Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi announced the initiative during a meeting with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Rome. He also confirmed visa-free entry for Pakistani diplomatic passport holders, following Pakistan’s request.

During the meeting, Naqvi briefed his Italian counterpart on Pakistan’s intensified measures against illegal migration. Enhanced monitoring at airports and sea borders has significantly reduced unlawful departures from the country.

Piantedosi praised Pakistan’s efforts, highlighting the country’s strong performance in combating human smuggling, drug trafficking, and irregular migration.

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Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in security, counter-narcotics, and law enforcement, focusing on transnational criminal networks and expanding avenues for legal migration. The meeting was described as constructive and forward-looking, signaling deeper bilateral ties.

Joint Action with Greece
Separately, Naqvi also met Greece’s Minister for Migration and Asylum, Athanasios Plevris. The two ministers agreed to take joint measures against illegal immigration and human smuggling.

A breakthrough came as Pakistan and Greece agreed to finalize a long-pending bilateral migration cooperation agreement, awaiting completion for two years. They also decided to form a Joint Working Group to implement future cooperation frameworks.

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Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan maintains a zero-tolerance policy on illegal migration and smuggling, and that expanding legal pathways is vital to prevent unlawful travel routes. The Greek minister reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s initiatives and promised collaboration to enhance professional capacity in police and paramilitary operations, including technology-based solutions.