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Updated: May 20, 2019 23:53 IST

Pakistan’s ambassador to France, Mueen-ul-Haq, has been named the country’s new high commissioner to India. Mueen is a career diplomatic and previously served as the chief of protocol at the foreign office. The post of high commissioner to India fell vacant after Sohail Mehmood was appointed the foreign secretary in March.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday approved the appointments of over two dozen ambassadors in various countries, India and China. The appointments were long due as several Pakistani missions were without envoys since the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government took charge last August. Qureshi said Naghmana Hashmi, career diplomat, was being sent to China. The minister expressed hope that these Ambassadors will play a pivotal in promoting the soft image of Pakistan.

Foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday held a detailed meeting with PM Khan, who formally approved the new appointments. Mueen-ul-Haq takes over at a time when there is a chill in the bilateral ties.

Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and Qureshi are expected attend a two-day meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation beginning Tuesday in Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, though New Delhi has ruled out the possibility of a bilateral engagement on the sidelines.