Abizaid, of Lebanese descent, replaced Tommy Franks as head of US Central Command in early July. The Middle East expert, leading a nine-member delegation arrived overnight and was expected to leave later Wednesday after what Pakistan's top military spokesman, Shaukat Sultan, called an introductory visit.

"Bilateral matters came under discussions during the general's meeting with the president and other senior military officials," Sultan told AFP.

Official sources said the current situation in Iraq was discussed during the talks, especially in the context of a request by Britain and the United States for two brigades of Pakistani troops to join peacekeeping work in post-war Iraq.

Pakistan said Monday it would consider sending troops if the Iraqi people or their leadership asked for such help.

Islamabad had said previously that it would consider sending troops to Iraq provided cover was provided by either the United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) or Gulf Cooperation Countries.

"We would like to send troops... (and will do so) if we have legitimate cover of UN, OIC or GCC or any other mechanism and if we are invited by the Iraqis or Iraqi leaders with popular support," foreign office spokesman Masood Khan told a news briefing on Monday.

Pakistani religious and liberal opposition parties have vowed to oppose any move to send troops to Iraq and Khan said any decision by the government would accomodate public opinion.

The official Associated Press of Pakistan said Abizaid exchanged views with Musharraf on "geo-strategic situation in the region" and matters relating to "national and mutual interest."

The Centcom chief's visit would "further strengthen the excellent relations between the armed forces of the two countries," Musharraf said.

Abizaid lauded US-Pakistani military cooperation and praised the Pakistani army for its role in fighting international terrorism, the news agency said.

Pakistan is a key US ally in the campaign against terror, and the two militaries closely coordinate operations to root out al-Qaeda and Taliban remnants in the region bordering Afghanistan.

Islamabad provided key logistical and intelligence support to US operations in Afghanistan that led to the ouster of the hardline Taliban regime in late

As many as 6,000 US troops remain stationed on at least three airbases in Pakistani territory.

Pakistan has captured more than 500 al-Qaeda and Taliban fugitives in the past 20 months, most of whom are now in US custody.

Current strained relations with Afghanistan over allegations that Pakistani troops have crossed into Afghan territory, as well as a mob attack on the Pakistani embassy, were also discussed by Musharraf and Abizaid, officials said.

The situation along the porous Pakistan-Afghanistan border is currently under study by a joint US-Pakistani-Afghan committee.

WAR.WIRE