Two high level delegations -- from Britain and the United States -- are due in Pakistan today as part of international efforts to persuade Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, to set a timetable for the restoration of democracy.

The British delegation will be led by the Chief of the Defence staff, General Sir Charles Guthrie, who knows General Musharraf well; a BBC correspondent says the British government clearly feels that he is well placed to deliver its message.

The American delegation is led by the Senate Minority leader, Tom Daschle, who has close links with President Clinton.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service