The Hindu : National : Manmohan to decide soon on envoy to Pakistan

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Friday, Sep 15, 2006
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Manmohan to decide soon on envoy to Pakistan

Diplomatic Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to decide on a new Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan after his return from Havana on September 18.

The vacancy has arisen following the appointment of High Commissioner Shivshankar Menon as Foreign Secretary.

Two in the race

According to South Block sources, India's High Commissioner to South Africa Satyabrata Pal and Ambassador to China Nalin Surie are the front-runners for the prestigious position in Islamabad.

Mr. Pal is a 1972 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer who has worked as Deputy High Commissioner in London and Dhaka, apart from serving as Deputy Permanent Representative to India's mission in the United Nations in New York.

Mr. Surie, a 1973 batch IFS officer, has previously worked as Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary looking after the China division in the External Affairs Ministry.

Pakistan envoy's

term ending

Interestingly, the Pakistan High Commissioner Aziz Ahmed Khan is just about to complete his term in New Delhi.

He is likely to be replaced by Shahid Malik, currently Pakistan's High Commissioner in Canada.

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