Pakistan on Friday accepted career diplomat Shiv Shankar Menon as India's new high commissioner to Islamabad.

Menon is currently India's ambassador in China. He previously worked in several key assignments, including as high commissioner to Sri Lanka.

The decision paves the way for restoration of full diplomatic relations between the two countries, nearly 17 months after Menon's predecessor Vijay Nambiar was recalled in the wake of the terrorist attack on Parliament on December 13, 2001. Nambiar later took over as India's permanent representative at the United Nations.

Pakistan is yet to nominate its high commissioner to India. Foreign Minister Khurshid Muhammad Kasuri said his government would soon propose the name of its high commissioner to the Indian government for acceptance.