Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a significant meeting with his Italian counterpart, Matteo Piantedosi, during an official visit to Rome. The discussions centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Italy, particularly in areas such as internal security, migration management, and combating transnational crimes. This high-level dialogue underscores the growing partnership between the two countries in addressing shared challenges and opportunities.
One of the key outcomes of this meeting was the agreement to issue 10,500 work visas specifically for skilled Pakistani workers. This initiative aims to facilitate legal migration pathways, providing Pakistani professionals with legitimate opportunities to work in Italy. The move is expected to not only benefit the Pakistani workforce but also contribute positively to Italy’s labor market demands. Both sides emphasized the importance of promoting regulated migration channels as a means to curb illegal immigration and human smuggling.
Minister Piantedosi reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Pakistan across various sectors of mutual interest. He expressed a strong willingness to enhance collaboration on controlled migration processes, which includes discussions on visa policies. Responding to Minister Naqvi’s request, the Italian government showed openness toward granting visa exemptions for holders of Pakistani diplomatic passports, a topic that had been touched upon in previous talks as well. This development could ease diplomatic travel and further facilitate official exchanges between the two nations.
The conversation also extended to critical security issues such as counter-narcotics operations, anti-human trafficking measures, and counterterrorism efforts. Both ministers acknowledged the progress made so far in preventing illegal migration and dismantling smuggling networks. Minister Naqvi provided a detailed briefing on Pakistan’s enhanced security protocols, including increased surveillance at airports and maritime borders. He highlighted how these measures have led to a noticeable decline in unlawful departures, showcasing Pakistan’s dedication to controlling irregular migration flows.
Italian authorities praised the proactive policies implemented by Pakistan’s Interior Ministry, recognizing the country’s effective strategies against human trafficking and narcotics trafficking. The meeting also featured presentations from Punjab Police officials about the success of the Police Khidmat Markaz Global initiative, which has been instrumental in improving public safety and service delivery. This initiative received commendations from the Italian delegation, reflecting the positive impact of Pakistan’s law enforcement reforms.
Accompanying Minister Naqvi were several senior officials, including Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy Ali Javed, Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency Dr. Usman Anwar, Managing Director of Punjab Safe Cities Authority Ahsan Younas, along with senior police officers Abid Khan and Sohail Chaudhry. Their presence highlighted the comprehensive approach Pakistan is taking to enhance cooperation with Italy, spanning diplomatic, security, and law enforcement sectors.
This meeting marks a pivotal step in Pakistan-Italy relations, particularly in the realm of migration and internal security. The agreement on work visas and the commitment to joint efforts against illegal activities reflect a shared vision for safer, more regulated migration and stronger bilateral ties. Both countries appear poised to continue building on this foundation to address future challenges collaboratively.
