RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif visited National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Pabbi near Jhelum on Friday and witnessed the culmination of Pak–Saudi joint training exercise Al-Shihab.

Al-Shihab focused on counter terrorism training of the special operation forces of Pakistan and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which included cordon and search operations, airdropping and helicopter lifting of special forces for operations against terrorist’s acts and their hideouts.

While meeting the participating troops, he appreciated their dedication, motivation and professionalism.

General Raheel Sharif said that "Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong and brotherly relations which have a long history of deep rooted cooperation."

"This exercise signifies the joint effort of our two nations against terrorism and Insha Allah we will defeat this menace in all its forms and manifestations," he said.

He reiterated that any threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia will evoke a strong response from Pakistan.

A six member high level Saudi military delegation headed by General Mufleh Bin Saleem Al-Otaibi, Commander Special Forces of Saudi Arabia was also present on the occasion.

Earlier on arrival, COAS was received by Lieutenant General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Inspector General Training and Evaluation.