Person in Pakistan is trying to scam me?

Hello, I have a question. A friend in Pakistan is trying to send me money in Italy. They said that they are not eligible for international transfers, and that I need to send them money first for them to prove to the bank that they have relatives in Italy. Since I have no money, I told them to go to Western Union, but they said the branch told them they need the bank's permission to send money. They are with Meezen bank. I also called Western Union & they said they have no rule about this & that people in Pakistan can send money without issue. So is what they are saying true? Or are they trying to scam me?