A process of preparing a catalyst composition which process comprises the steps of (a) treating ZSM-5 zeolite with an alkaline solution having a pH of at least (8) followed by ion exchange to obtain a treated zeolite, (b) extruding a mixture of the treated zeolite and binder and contacting the zeolite with a fluorocompound containing solution, (c) increasing the temperature of the extrudates obtained in step (b) to at least 200° C., and (d) combining the extrudates obtained in step (c) with one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Group (10) and (11) of the IUPAC Periodic Table of Elements and a process for the conversion of an aromatic hydrocarbons containing feedstock using a catalyst composition prepared by such process.