Date:01/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/01/stories/2006100115100100.htm

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Shahid Malik is Pakistani envoy

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Shahid Malik will be the new Pakistani High Commissioner to India, it has been formally announced. Now High Commissioner to Canada, he replaces Aziz Ahmed Khan, who will return home after a successful tenure in New Delhi.

Traditionally, both India and Pakistan have placed their best diplomats in Islamabad and New Delhi. In fact, many Indian High Commissioners to Pakistan have gone on to become the Foreign Secretary.

Mr. Malik served as Deputy High Commissioner in New Delhi between 1992 and 1995. He has been Political Counsellor in Washington, apart from working in the Pakistani missions in Tokyo and Rome. Back home, Mr. Malik worked as Director-General and Additional Secretary in the Foreign Ministry.

Interestingly, there will be a new Indian Commissioner in Islamabad — Satyabrata Pal — around the same time Mr. Malik takes over his assignment.