Pakistan and the European Union have pledged to enhance counterterrorism cooperation following a formal dialogue in Islamabad, as both parties address rising security threats and regional instability. During the 10th round of the Pakistan-EU Bilateral Counterterrorism Dialogue, officials identified shared security concerns regarding the situation in Afghanistan, according to the Pakistan foreign ministry.
Cooperation on Regional Security and Terrorism
The dialogue, held this week in Islamabad, focused on how militant groups are increasingly using cyberspace and energy resources. Pakistan’s foreign ministry stated that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and agreed to coordinate more closely at international forums, such as the United Nations.
The EU delegation condemned recent terrorist attacks within Pakistan and acknowledged the government’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts. While Pakistan has reported border clashes with Afghan forces—alleging that militants are using Afghan territory to facilitate attacks—Kabul has denied these claims. The EU has previously urged for de-escalation between the neighbors, emphasizing the need for Afghan authorities to prevent militant groups from utilizing their territory to threaten other nations.
EU and Pakistan Discuss Irregular Migration in Islamabad
Alongside security talks, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner visited Islamabad to discuss migration, a key pillar of the 2019 Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with Commissioner Brunner on October 13 to address irregular migration, according to the Pakistan foreign ministry.
Pakistan and the EU held the annual CT Dialogue in Islamabad today. Both sides reviewed ongoing bilateral and multilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism. Reaffirming their commitment, both sides agreed to carry forward their shared resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms.… pic.twitter.com/TBiQAcs0xh
Commissioner Brunner acknowledged that Pakistan has made progress in curbing irregular migration, noting a decrease of more than 50% in the number of Pakistanis attempting to enter the EU illegally, according to The Express Tribune. During his visit, Brunner also addressed the high Schengen visa refusal rate for Pakistani applicants, which currently stands at nearly 50%. He described this figure as "too much" and admitted that the process for securing visa appointments can be frustrating for legal travelers.
Diplomatic Engagement in Islamabad
The visit included a reception hosted by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on October 13, which brought together European diplomats from several nations, including Austria, France, Germany, and Italy, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
The discussions during this week’s visit are part of a broader, institutionalized effort to manage the partnership between Islamabad and Brussels. The two sides have agreed to continue this engagement, with the next round of counterterrorism talks scheduled to take place in Brussels in 2027.
EU Acknowledges High Schengen Visa Refusal Rates for Pakistanis
What is the current status of Schengen visa access for Pakistanis?
The European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner acknowledged that the nearly 50% refusal rate for Schengen visas is "too much" and recognized that applicants face significant difficulties in securing appointments. He stated that the EU needs to improve legal migration pathways for skilled workers and professionals.
🇪🇺🇵🇰The EU and Pakistan held their 10th #Counterterrorism Dialogue in Islamabad.Both sides condemned terrorism in all forms and discussed evolving regional and global threats, underlining the importance of multilateral cooperation. #EUPakistan pic.twitter.com/WAgSIlTOq2
How is Pakistan addressing irregular migration to Europe?
According to the Pakistani government, irregular migration from the country to Europe has fallen by 64% over the past 18 months. During his visit, Commissioner Brunner praised these efforts, noting that bringing irregular migration under control helps create more political space for discussing legal travel opportunities.
What specific security threats were identified during the dialogue?
Pakistan and the EU highlighted the exploitation of cyberspace, information platforms, and energy resources by extremist groups to advance their objectives. They exchanged best practices on countering terrorist financing and addressing radicalization, with a particular focus on the use of online platforms by militants.
Pakistan and the EU held their annual Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Islamabad, reaffirming their commitment to combating terrorism, strengthening cooperation, and addressing emerging threats in cyberspace and critical resources on October 22, 2026.📷: X/ForeignOfficePkVisit… pic.twitter.com/4lgG5ekRbf
"We have to do a better job there as a European Union," Brunner said regarding the need to improve legal travel pathways for genuine Pakistani travelers.
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