New Delhi: Pakistan's high commissioner-designate Shahid Malik has taken charge of the mission here and is 'very pleased to be in India', more than a decade when he last served here.

"He is very pleased to be in India and is enthusiastic about strengthening India-Pakistan ties," said Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Afrasiab.

"He will meet the chief of protocol later this week. A date for presenting credentials would be finalised at the meeting. It should happen soon," Afrasiab told sources.

Malik, who succeeds Aziz Ahmed Khan, arrived here Monday evening with his wife and son. 

He is an old India hand who served here as Pakistan's deputy high commissioner in 1992-95.

A former envoy to Canada, Malik has vast experience that includes a stint in Washington as political affairs counsellor. He has also handled crucial assignments in Tokyo and Rome.

Malik worked as additional foreign secretary in the Pakistan foreign ministry in 2001-02.