ISLAMABAD: A 17-member delegation of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) is undertaking a week-long visit to Pakistan, aimed at strengthening joint efforts and cooperation against “terrorism,” Pakistani state media reported on Monday. 

The IMCTC is a 43-member military alliance that was formed on Saudi Arabia’s initiative in December 2015 to consolidate Muslim countries’ efforts in countering “terrorism.” The alliance features Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Afghanistan, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Palestine, UAE, Bangladesh and other Muslim nations. 

“The purpose of the visit is to strengthen joint efforts and cooperation in the fight against terrorism,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported. “The visit of the delegation symbolizes a strong alliance between the Islamic world in the fight against terrorism.”

The IMCTC delegation will be led by its Secretary General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, Radio Pakistan said. It will also inaugurate a special training program aimed at countering “terrorism” during its visit, the state broadcaster said.

Pakistan’s former army chief Gen. (retd) Raheel Shareef was appointed as the IMCTC commander-in-chief in 2017.

Pakistan enjoys cordial ties with most Muslim countries around the world, particularly Gulf Cooperation Council countries. In September 2025, Pakistan signed a landmark defense pact with Saudi Arabia according to which an act of aggression against one country will be treated as an act of aggression against both.