Sohail Mahmood takes over as Pakistan envoy to India

Sohail Mahmood took charge as Pakistan’s new High Commissioner to New Delhi on Wednesday amidst border tension between India and Pakistan. 

Mahmood, who succeeded Abdul Basit, had served as Pakistan’s ambassador Turkey and Thailand. 

Mahmood is a career diplomat and has a reputation for being a low-profile officer. His predecessor Basit, who was a former spokesperson of Pakistan foreign ministry, was articulate and controversial too. But the new envoy has no previous experience of serving in any senior positions dealing with India or south Asian countries. 

A Pakistan Foreign Service Officer of 1985 batch officer, Mahmood had served two terms as junior diplomat, desk officer, in South Asia division from 1987 to 1991.

He served in Washington in two terms besides being the head of America’s division of the foreign ministry. He handled countries such as Afghanistan, Iran and had also served at the United Nation’s mission of his country. Mahmood took charge at a time when the ties between the two countries are fragile.