Web Desk: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) has launched a deradicalization and rehabilitation programme in Pakistan aimed at reintegrating individuals affected by extremist ideology, expanding the coalition’s focus beyond security-driven counterterrorism efforts.
The initiative, titled the “Reintegration Initiative,” was launched in Islamabad in the presence of Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif and IMCTC Secretary General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, alongside senior military, security, diplomatic and intellectual figures.Programme targets rehabilitation and preventionIMCTC said the programme seeks to address the root causes of violent extremism through rehabilitation and reintegration mechanisms, combining ideological, psychological and social interventions.
The initiative, running from Feb. 2 to Feb. 6, targets specialists and practitioners involved in rehabilitation programmes across IMCTC member states and forms part of the coalition’s broader strategy to counter extremist narratives at an early stage.
Speaking at the launch, Al-Moghedi said rehabilitation and reintegration represent a frontline defence against extremist ideology and cannot be replaced by military measures alone.“Confronting extremism requires an integrated intellectual and social approach,” he said, adding that sustainable security depends on restoring awareness, rebuilding individuals and reintegrating them into society.
Focus on restoring lives and social stabilityAl-Moghedi said the initiative aims to help individuals previously involved in terrorist activity transition back to normal life by addressing ideological distortions and providing psychological and social support. He said the programme seeks to prevent former recruits from being re-exploited by extremist leaders and to enable them to contribute positively to their families and communities through humanitarian and social engagement.
Pakistan underscores international cooperationPakistan’s defence minister praised IMCTC’s role in promoting collective approaches to counterterrorism and said Islamabad’s hosting of the programme reflected its commitment to international cooperation.
Khawaja Asif said countering extremism required a comprehensive strategy integrating security operations with intellectual and social measures, calling rehabilitation and reintegration essential components of long-term stability.“Peace is not achieved solely by eliminating terrorists,” he said. “It is achieved by rebuilding lives, restoring trust and strengthening the relationship between the state and society.”Training modules and expert engagementIMCTC said the programme includes specialised training sessions and panel discussions covering rehabilitation frameworks, reintegration models, ideological correction, psychological recovery, skills development and challenges faced in implementing reintegration programmes.
The initiative draws on IMCTC’s integrated methodology across its four domains ideology, communications, counterterrorism financing and military cooperation and aims to strengthen societal resilience across member states.
IMCTC said the launch in Islamabad underscored its commitment to supporting member countries with targeted initiatives designed to enhance security and stability at both regional and international levels.
