ISLAMABAD, Oct 8: President Asif Ali Zardari was briefed on Wednesday about the first day of the joint sitting of both houses of parliament held to apprise the lawmakers of the government’s efforts to control law and order and combat terrorism in the country.

He was briefed about the proceedings of the in-camera session by Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani at the President House. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was also present.

The president said that the scourge of terrorism and extremism was hurting the country’s economic development and its institutions.

He said the government was following a multi-pronged strategy to root out terrorism and extremism from the country.

During his meeting with Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar, the president said the armed forces were fully capable of meeting any eventuality and safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Mr Zardari said that country’s frontiers would be defended at all costs.

The president also met Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif who briefed him about the law and order situation in the province.

The president asked the chief minister to make every effort to ensure peace and stability in the province.

During his meeting with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the president said that efforts for peace and development should be in line with the wishes of the people of tribal areas.

During his meeting with British High Commissioner Robert Edward Brinkley, Mr Zardari underlined the importance of strong relationship between Pakistan and Britain.

The high commissioner said that a close relationship was in the interest of both the nations.