Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for increased opportunities for legal migration for Pakistani workers and professionals in Europe, emphasizing the need for expanded legal pathways and structured cooperation with the European Union. In a meeting held at Aiwan-e-Sadr with Magnus Brunner, the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, President Zardari highlighted Pakistan's ongoing efforts to combat irregular migration and its commitment to the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the discussions centered on enhancing Pakistan-EU relations, managing migration, and combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling. President Zardari underscored Pakistan's collaboration with the EU in curbing irregular migration, noting a 64% reduction in such migration from Pakistan over the past eighteen months, as per EU figures. He emphasized the importance of creating safe and legal migration avenues and sought EU assistance in strengthening Pakistan's capacity to tackle irregular migration.

The President also advocated for the expansion of the EU Talent Partnerships framework and the establishment of a European Legal Gateway Office in Pakistan. Commissioner Magnus Brunner acknowledged Pakistan's role in maintaining regional balance and its efforts to prevent dangerous migration journeys. The meeting was attended by EU and Pakistani officials, including European Union Ambassador to Pakistan Raimundas Karoblis and Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi.