Role of Pakistan in the Islamic Military Coalition: Consequences and Significance

Abstract

The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), announced in December 2015 by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Defense Minister Muhammad bin Salman, represents an unprecedented collective security initiative involving 42 Muslim-majority states. Pakistan, as the only nuclear power within the alliance and with extensive experience in counter-terrorism, occupies a central role in shaping its trajectory. While the IMCTC aims to counter terrorism and violent extremism, its geopolitical implications—particularly in the context of Saudi–Iranian rivalry—raise challenges for Pakistan’s strategic balancing. This paper examines the historical context of the coalition, Pakistan’s role and motivations, and the implications for its foreign and security policy. It critically examines existing literature, identifies research gaps, and offers a forward-looking perspective on Pakistan’s engagement in the IMCTC.