Meeting of Islamic Military Counter terrorism Coalition begins in Riyadh

Defence ministers of the countries that are part of the Saudi-led Islamic military alliance have finally unveiled the coalition’s broader mandate that envisages joint military operations against terrorism while suggesting a raft of other steps to deal with the menace.

But the final declaration issued on Sunday after the ministers meeting in Riyadh suggested that it would be up to the member states to decide the extent of their participation in the coalition, something that would provide enough room to Pakistan to maintain a delicate balance in its ties — both with Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The alliance’s terms of reference (TORs) were finalised at a meeting of defence ministers of the member countries forming the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC).

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khurrum Dastagir represented Pakistan at the daylong meeting presided over by Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Suleman.

According to the declaration, the ministers laid stress on the importance of the military role in combating the threat of terrorism, enhancing security and peace in the coalition member countries and contributing towards regional and international security and peace.

“The ministers emphasised the importance of providing necessary military capabilities to ensure that terrorist organisations are weakened, dismantled, eliminated and deprived of the opportunity to reorganise,” it said.