ISLAMABAD, Feb 25 (APP): Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi in Rome on Wednesday for wide-ranging discussions aimed at advancing bilateral cooperation on internal security, migration management, and efforts against transnational crime.
The meeting, described as constructive and forward-looking, underscored both countries’ commitment to curbing illegal immigration while expanding avenues for legal mobility.
During the talks, the Italian side announced that 10,500 work visas would be issued to skilled workers from Pakistan, reaffirming Italy’s intent to promote structured and lawful migration pathways. Minister Piantedosi also confirmed that Italian authorities would extend visa-free entry to Pakistani diplomatic passport holders, following a request from Minister Naqvi and earlier exchanges on the subject.
Minister Naqvi briefed his counterpart on Pakistan’s intensified actions against illegal immigration networks, noting that enhanced monitoring at airports and maritime borders had produced a significant drop in unlawful departures. The Italian minister praised Pakistan’s recent measures and commended the performance of Pakistani institutions in combating human smuggling, drug trafficking, and irregular migration.
Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to deepen cooperation in security, counter-narcotics, and law enforcement, agreeing to strengthen coordination against transnational criminal networks and further broaden opportunities for legal migration.
During the meeting, officers of the Punjab Police presented a briefing on the Police Khidmat Markaz Global initiative, which received strong appreciation from the Italian officials for its efficiency and public-service impact.