Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has said that Pakistan illegal migration strategy has emerged as a model for the international community, highlighting the country’s efforts to combat human smuggling and promote safe migration. Speaking at a high-level meeting of the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling in Vienna, he stressed that illegal migration is a global challenge requiring collective international action.
Addressing delegates at the conference, Chaudhry said no country could tackle migrant smuggling alone. He emphasized that strengthening cooperation among nations and encouraging safe, orderly, and legal migration are essential steps to reduce illegal migration and dismantle transnational criminal networks.
During the meeting, the European Union praised Pakistan’s efforts to curb illegal migration and acknowledged the performance of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). According to officials, Pakistan’s institutional reforms and border management measures have significantly improved enforcement, making the Pakistan illegal migration strategy an example for other countries facing similar challenges.
Recent official data showed a 47% decline in illegal migration attempts by Pakistanis to Europe over the past year. Authorities also reported that the FIA arrested around 1,770 suspected human smugglers in 2025 and increased field interceptions from 628 to 2,662 as part of an intensified nationwide crackdown.
Officials said the European Union has recognized Pakistan’s structural response as exemplary and pledged additional bilateral support to strengthen regional interception mechanisms. The cooperation reflects growing international confidence in the Pakistan illegal migration strategy and its long-term objectives.
Every year, thousands of Pakistanis are targeted by criminal networks that promise illegal routes to Europe, commonly known as the “Dunki” route. These dangerous journeys often result in financial losses, exploitation, detention, or even death, highlighting the urgent need for stronger preventive measures and public awareness.
The government has introduced several reforms under the National Action Plan to Counter the Smuggling of Migrants (2026–2030), including AI-powered biometric profiling and enhanced airport screening systems. Officials say these initiatives have helped stop nearly 40,000 suspicious travelers in 2025, reinforcing the effectiveness of the Pakistan illegal migration strategy.
