Pakistan appoints Delhi ambassador

Neighbourly tensions eased

Pakistan has appointed a new high commissioner to India, completing the restoration of diplomatic ties between the two countries after a break of nearly 18 months.

He is a career diplomat, Riaz Mohammed Khan, currently ambassador in China and one of the most senior officials in Pakistan's foreign ministry.

Earlier this week, India appointed its own ambassador to China, Shivshankar Menon, as the new high commissioner to Pakistan.

The two countries decided to resume full diplomatic relations last month, announcing at the same time a series of other steps, including the resumption of travel and sporting links, as confidence-building measures.

Officials in Islamabad say that, although no date has been fixed for formal talks between the two governments, they are gradually creating the right conditions.

Kashmir issue

Earlier this week, Pakistani banned a militant leader from entering Pakistani Kashmir.

Masood Azhar - head of the outlawed group, Jaish-e-Mohammad - was barred from addressing a religious conference in the region.

Mr Azhar has been one of the key figures fighting in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Pakistan says the ban was implemented to maintain law and order in the region.

The Indian deputy prime minister, LK Advani said he hoped the move reflected a change in Pakistan's attitude towards the Kashmir dispute.

His comments followed renewed efforts by India and Pakistan to open a dialogue over Kashmir.

Recent improved relations follow a long period of tension which took the two neighbours to the brink of war.