Pak PM, Army Chief in Riyadh to attend counter-terrorism conference

A conference of the Saudi-led Islamic Military Alliance will see the participation of Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa.

The conference will be held in Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh today.

It is expected that the focus of the conference will be crucial meetings related to the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), besides a review of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the Express Tribune has reported.

On Sunday, defence ministers of 41 nations forming the IMCTC unveiled the terms of reference of the alliance.

Defence Minister Khurrum Dastagir represented Pakistan at the day-long meeting presided over by Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.

Pakistan had principally agreed to be part of the coalition but withheld its decision regarding the extent of its role till the Terms of Reference were finalised.

Meanwhile IMCTC chief and former Pakistan army chief General (retired) Raheel Sharif has rejected the impression that the group was sectarian in nature and had any sinister plans.

He said the sole objective of the alliance was to counter terrorism. 

-AN