New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) Pakistan's high commissioner to Canada, Shahid Malik, described by a colleague as "a highly professional" diplomat, will be his country's next envoy to India, succeeding Aziz Ahmed Khan.

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

"Like any Pakistani diplomat, the new high commissioner is dedicated to promoting India-Pakistan relations," Pakistan's deputy high commissioner Afrasiab told IANS.

Afrasiab described Malik as "a highly professional and hard-working diplomat" with vast experience that includes a stint in Washington as political affairs counsellor. He has also handled crucial assignments in Tokyo and Rome.

Malik is likely to take charge in New Delhi in about two months, said Afrasiab.

Malik, brother-in-law of Waseem Sajjad, leader of the house in the Pakistani Senate, also served in Islamabad as additional foreign secretary in the foreign ministry in 2001-02.

India is expected to soon announce a successor to Shiv Shankar Menon, the high commissioner to Pakistan who takes charge as foreign secretary Oct 1.

Satyabrata Pal, India's high commissioner to South Africa, is likely to be posted in Islamabad.