Walker will visit Pakistan from June 18 to 20 at the invitation of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Muhammad Aziz Khan, a military spokesman told AFP.

Describing the visit as "important", he said during his meeting with General Aziz the British the defence chief of staff will discuss "issues of bilateral interest and on-going military co-operation".

The visit came as Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf left for Britain early Monday for talks with Prime Minister Tony Blair on defence and other relations between the two countries, including "training and supply of spare parts" by Britain to Pakistan, official sources said.

Reports here said Walker may call on Musharraf later in the day before leaving for Pakistan.

During his stay in Pakistan he will call on Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali and chiefs of Pakistan's navy and air force, the spokesman said.

Walker will also visit the northwestern town of Landi Kotal, which borders Afghanistan, and also travel to the Line of Control in Kashmir that divides the disputed Himalayan region between Pakistan and India, he added.

Pakistan-Britain defence relations have been progressing on an upbeat note since Pakistan joined the 18-month old US-led war against terrorism.

In early May the Pakistan-United Kingdom Defence Consultative Forum met in Islamabad to give "structure impetus" and continuity to the developing defence relations between the two countries.

WAR.WIRE