Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza called upon President Asif Ali Zardari and congratulated the president on assuming office, said a statement on Friday. During the meeting, the two also discussed professional and security issues. Gen Shamshad provided a briefing to the president on the prevailing security landscape of the country, along with outlining the operational readiness of the armed forces. “The armed forces are fully equipped and prepared to effectively address both internal and external security challenges,” affirmed the CJCSC. In response, the president commended the pivotal role played by the armed forces in safeguarding national borders and contributing to the socio-economic progress of the country. “We are very confident that our security forces will successfully handle both internal and external security challenges,” said the president. The meeting also emphasised a unified commitment to eradicate terrorism through coordinated efforts and national collaboration, as per the statement. Earlier this month, on March 7, Gen Shamshad met newly-elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the CJCSC congratulated the premier on assuming office and expressed good wishes. On February 6, The CJCSC also undertook a official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in connection with the 2nd World Defence Show. General Mirza met with His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia, to discuss crucial strategic and security issues, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.