During his three-day stay, Howard's was to meet President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and visit quake-hit areas, said foreign ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam.

"The visit is aimed at further strengthening the multi-faceted relationship between the two countries," she said.

Australia has announced a total contribution of 10.6 million US dollars for quake relief operations, channelled through UN agencies and Australian non-governmental organisations.

The 7.6 magnitude October 8 earthquake claimed more than 74,000 lives and left more than 3.5 million people homeless in northern regions and the Pakistan administered part of Kashmir.

Pakistan and Australia were also expected to sign agreements on cooperation in agriculture, natural gas exploration and higher education, Aslam said.

Howard, who was flying in from neighbouring Afghanistan, is the first Australian prime minister to visit Pakistan since 1989. Musharraf made an official trip to Australia in June.

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