Islamabad: Pakistan is expected to give acceptance within a week to the name sent by India as its new High Commissioner to Islamabad to facilitate full restoration of diplomatic ties between the two countries, nearly 17 months after the top Envoy was recalled in the wake of terrorist attack on Parliament on December 13, 2001.

Though India has not disclosed the name, there is speculation in Indian and Pakistani media that its Ambassador to China Shiv Shankar Menon has been chosen for the hot diplomatic assignment.

The agreement relating to appointment of the new Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan was formally submitted to the Pakistan Foreign Office, by acting Indian High Commissioner TCA Raghvan on May 7.

According to media reports, the choice of Menon has generated a great deal of interest in Pakistani official circles as the new Indian Envoy has the reputation of being a thinker, strategist and a tough negotiator, who could keep the fledgling India-Pakistan peace process firmly on course.

'Dawn' newspaper quoted Pakistan Foreign Office as saying the new Indian Envoy enjoyed the reputation of a seasoned diplomat and his agreement papers would be cleared within a week.

Pakistan is also expected to nominate its High Commissioner to India. A host of names, including the present Foreign Office spokesman Aziz Ahmad Khan, were reportedly under consideration.

PTI