ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the government has formally permitted former army chief General (retd) Raheel Sharif to lead the Saudi military alliance, formed to fight militancy. The former army chief’s Saudi assignment to lead Islamic Military Alliance has been a matter of controversy in the media. This coalition force was formed by Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud on December 15, 2015. Sharing the details during an interview with a private TV channel, Asif said that the Saudi government had sought a written permission from Pakistan. “It is a matter between the two governments and not an individual affair.” A meeting of advisory council of member states is scheduled for May this year, he said, adding that everything is finalized regarding the coalition. Saudi Arabia has also issued Gen (r) Raheel and his wife three-year multiple visas, possibly making him the first Pakistani in ten years, who has been granted this facility in private capacity. Raheel Sharif will reside in Riyadh where the joint operation centre of this alliance has been established. He will be the alliance’s founding commander-in-chief. Initially when this military alliance was formed, it contained 34 members. With the inclusion of Oman, it has now swelled to 41 members.