The 31-year-old fast bowler has been sidelined due a knee injury which ruled him out of the World Cup and then a one-day series against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi earlier this year.

Pakistan's chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed said Akhtar was bowling with a good rhythm and that his fitness had been checked by selectors.

"We need Akhtar in the hectic schedule ahead and hopefully he will play a crucial part on the tour of Scotland," said Ahmed.

Pakistan play India on July 1 and Scotland two days later, both in Glasgow.

Pakistan will also feature in the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa in September this year before hosting South Africa for a Test and one-day series a month later.

They then tour India in November-December before hosting world champions Australia early next year.

"Akhtar has been bowling eight overs on the trot without any trouble and we hope he will get into top gear in the tune-up camp," said Ahmed of the camp starting at the hill resort of Abbotabad from June 10.

Akhtar, one of the most colourful characters in cricket with his on and off-field antics, played the last of his 43 Tests against South Africa at Port Elizabeth in January this year.

That comeback lasted just one day as Akhtar tore his hamstring and had to return from the tour. Twin knee operations last year and an ankle problem saw him play the last of his 133 one-dayers in September 2006.

Off the field, Akhtar and fellow paceman Mohammad Asif hit the headlines when they tested positive for the steroid nandrolone in October last year. They were banned for two and one years respectively in November.