Pakistan brings global partners together to address migrant smuggling

ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP):Pakistan hosted an international conference in Islamabad to discuss how countries can work together to counter the smuggling of migrants.

The two-day meeting gathered officials, experts, and global agencies to review current challenges and develop coordinated responses to a growing transnational issue.

Pakistan, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), organized the International Conference on Countering the Smuggling of Migrants from 26 to 27 November 2025.

The event received financial support from the Migration Multi Partner Trust Fund (Migration MPTF) and the European Union. Delegates from more than 30 countries, along with representatives from INTERPOL, FRONTEX, ICMPD, and other key institutions, attended the meeting.

The conference focused on the rise in migrant smuggling across various regions, the operational hurdles faced by states, and options for stronger cooperation to disrupt criminal groups involved in these activities. Participants also reviewed developments since the 2024 Regional Cooperation Workshop held under UNODC, using those discussions as a base to move toward coordinated commitments linked to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.

During the opening session, the Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Pakistan, Philipp Oliver Gross, underscored the EU’s continued efforts to counter migrant smuggling. He noted that the challenge requires joint action and highlighted the EU’s Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling, launched in 2023. The next international conference under the Global Alliance is scheduled for December 2025 in Brussels. He appreciated Pakistan’s engagement and stated that cooperation remains essential to prevent further loss of life on unsafe migration routes.

In his closing remarks, Pakistan’s State Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Talal Chaudhry, spoke about the country’s response following the Greece boat tragedy in 2023. He said the incident revealed the scale of illegal migration networks and prompted Pakistan to strengthen its systems to curb human smuggling. Measures include amendments to relevant laws, a national plan to address human smuggling, and the establishment of a Risk Analysis Unit. He said the discussions in Islamabad reflect Pakistan’s commitment to working with other nations to address these challenges.

Acting Foreign Secretary Ambassador Nabeel Munir stressed the importance of a balanced approach. He said that while law enforcement is necessary, countries must also widen legal migration channels. According to him, this approach can help reduce irregular movement and support orderly migration in line with the Global Compact for Migration.

Speaking for UNODC, Regional Representative Dr. Oliver Stolpe focused on the evolving nature of smuggling networks. He said these groups operate across borders, use digital tools, and adapt quickly. The conference, he noted, helps countries shift from isolated efforts to a shared strategy that protects people and strengthens cooperation.

Over the two days, participants reviewed progress since the 2024 workshop and agreed on several new priorities. These included the creation of an informal peer-to-peer network for faster communication between experts, identification of national and regional challenges to guide future cooperation, and agreement on thematic areas such as fraudulent travel documents, digital methods used in smuggling, border risks, and support mechanisms for victims.

Philippe Grandet, who heads the Migration MPTF Management Unit, said the conference shows how the Fund’s support in Pakistan aligns with the Global Compact for Migration, especially its objective on improving the global response to migrant smuggling. He expressed optimism that the experience gained in Pakistan will help other countries develop similar approaches.

The conference ended with a shared commitment from participating states and organizations to continue working together. Delegates agreed to strengthen international cooperation, improve coordination among regional systems, and take practical steps to prevent and counter the smuggling of migrants in the years ahead.