ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared on Monday that Pakistan is actively collaborating with European partners to jointly ban illegal immigration and bring the dangerous practice to a complete stop.
Speaking at the Pakistan-Austria Business Forum in Vienna during his two-day official visit, the prime minister emphasized Pakistan’s firm opposition to irregular migration routes that endanger lives and exploit vulnerable individuals.
He stated that the government is working closely with Austria, France, and Germany to dismantle smuggling networks and enforce stricter controls on unauthorized border crossings.
The remarks come amid ongoing concerns over the high number of Pakistanis attempting perilous journeys to Europe in search of better opportunities.
A joint 2023 study by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the European Union estimated that around 24,000 Pakistanis entered EU countries irregularly over the preceding three years.
Recent data from Frontex indicates a broader decline in irregular border crossings into the EU, with detections falling by 26 percent in 2025 compared to previous years, reaching about 178,000 overall.
Despite this regional downward trend, Pakistanis remain among prominent nationalities involved in such movements, often via the Central Mediterranean route through Libya and other North African countries.
The prime minister assured European counterparts that Pakistan would address Austria’s specific demand for skilled labor by providing workers trained to international certification standards.
This approach aims to shift from unregulated outflows to structured, legal channels that benefit both sending and receiving nations.
Pakistan’s demographic profile underscores the urgency of such initiatives, with approximately 60 percent of the population under 30 years old and forming a significant portion of the working-age group.
Official figures show that the country has a large youth bulge, with over 53 percent in the 15-59 age bracket according to the 2023 census.
Many young Pakistanis face challenges including unemployment, skill mismatches, and limited domestic job prospects, driving aspirations for overseas employment.
Reports indicate that a substantial share of Pakistani emigrants still falls into the unskilled category, with around 50 percent of registered overseas workers classified as such in recent years.
The prime minister highlighted the need for modern training in fields like information technology, artificial intelligence, and digital skills to equip the youth for global opportunities.
He pointed out that 60 percent of Pakistan’s population being young requires investments in laptops, AI tools, and IT-led programs to harness this potential productively.
Turning to bilateral ties, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described Pakistan-Austria relations as long-standing and friendly, rooted in mutual respect and shared interests.
He outlined proactive engagement in sectors such as mining and minerals, where Austria has expressed keen interest in Pakistan’s untapped resources.
Renewable energy emerged as another priority area, with invitations extended to Austrian firms for participation in solar, wind, and grid modernization projects.
The prime minister noted ongoing discussions with Austrian leadership aimed at concluding agreements in these domains to boost trade and investment.
He invited Austrian investors to explore opportunities in agriculture value-addition, tourism, engineering, and energy efficiency initiatives.
Historical Austrian involvement in Pakistan includes projects in cable car systems, mineral exploration, and energy technologies, providing a foundation for deeper collaboration.
The visit, marking the first high-level Pakistani engagement in Austria in over three decades, also coincides with 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that these interactions would translate into tangible outcomes for economic growth and people-to-people contacts.
By addressing illegal immigration collaboratively while promoting legal skilled migration, the initiative seeks to reduce human suffering associated with smuggling and trafficking.
Experts note that irregular migration often involves exploitation, high risks of death at sea, and financial burdens on families back home.
Pakistan’s government has intensified domestic efforts against smuggling networks, contributing to reported reductions in outflows in coordination with international partners.
The prime minister’s assurance reflects a balanced strategy: curbing irregular flows while channeling demographic strengths into regulated, mutually beneficial labor mobility.
This dual approach aligns with broader European priorities on border management and labor shortages in skilled sectors.
As discussions progress, the focus remains on building sustainable partnerships that prioritize human dignity, economic development, and regional stability.