Former UK defence chief on Pakistan mission

The former UK military chief, Lord Guthrie, is to visit Pakistan, it emerged today.

British Prime MinisterTony Blair is understood to have enlisted Lord Guthrie to warn president General Pervez Musharraf that Britain and the US are serious about military strikes against Afghanistan if terror suspect Osama bin Laden is not handed over.

Defence sources said he hoped to use his ‘‘influence and his friendship’’ with General Musharraf to cement the coalition with Pakistan during the meeting in Islamabad.

The former UK military chief has good contacts in the defence and political establishments in the Middle East and has known the Pakistani leader for many years.

He also established a close relationship with Mr Blair during the Kosovo campaign and is said to have been in regular contact with Britain's Prime Minister since the September 11 atrocities.

Lord Guthrie was sent to Pakistan by Mr Blair last year after General Musharraf seized power in a bloodless coup.

But Lord Guthrie has in the past expressed concerns about President George Bush’s national missile defence initiative, which is backed by Mr Blair.

He has also provoked outrage with his views on women and disabled people serving in the Army.