August 5, 2021
1 min read

China forces Bajwa’s exit from CPEC, but will corrupt Pak army retaliate?

Over the years, his family set up a business empire which established 99 companies in four countries, including a pizza franchise with 133 restaurants…reports…Mrityunjoy Kumar Jha

Asim Saleem Bajwa, the controversial head of the over $60 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), had to resign on Tuesday under a cloud. Known as “Chota Bajwa” because of his proximity to the Pakistani army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Lt Gen (Rtd) Asim Bajwa has savoured controversy since last year when his alleged involvement in “corruption” made headlines.

After facing an avalanche of charges that he used his offices to help his family set up several off-shore businesses, Bajwa was forced to resign from the post as the Special Assistant to Prime Minister Imran Khan. But he continued to enjoy the high position of chairman, CPEC.

According to a report in Dawn newspaper, his younger brothers opened their first Papa John’s pizza restaurant in 2002– the year Bajwa started working as a Lieutenant Colonel on General Pervez Musharraf’s staff. Over the years, his family set up a business empire which established 99 companies in four countries, including a pizza franchise with 133 restaurants worth an estimated USD 39.9 million.

According to Pakistani sources, these reports alarmed the Chinese leadership, which sought Bajwa’s replacement for CPEC. In the last few months, in consultation with the Chinese Ambassador in Islamabad, five names were shortlisted including two retired army generals. But finally, the Chinese agreed on Khalid Mansoor, a corporate honcho who has experience working abroad, with Chinese companies and banks.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

ALSO READ: Protest Against Pakistan’s Proxy War in Afghanistan
Previous Story

Sea trials of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier kick off

Next Story

Hospitals fill up as new mutant of Delta variant spreads in Nepal

Latest from -Top News

Trump Targets BRICS Allies with New Tariff

This move coincides with the ongoing BRICS summit being held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil…reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump has announced that an additional 10 per cent tariff will

BRICS Endorses India’s Stand on Terror

The treaty proposed by India within the UN framework aims to provide a comprehensive legal basis for combating terrorism….reports Asian Lite News The leaders’ joint statement, issued after the 17th BRICS summit

BRICS Slams US Tariff Hikes

The leaders criticised developed nations for using environmental issues to justify trade restrictions on developing countries….reports Asian Lite News Rio de Janeiro, July 7 (IANS) Embroiled in a trade war launched by

US Tariffs Pushed to August Amid Talks

In April, Trump announced a base tariff of 10 per cent on most of America’s trading partners and thereafter additional duties ranging up to 50 per cent….reports Asian Lite News US President

Indonesia Joins BRICS Bloc

This year’s BRICS Summit saw an expanded format, reflecting the grouping’s growing relevance in international affairs….reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally welcomed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto into the BRICS
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Pakistan steps up lobbying efforts in US

Brownstein’s contract with the Pakistani Embassy is worth $100,000 per

Authorities launch probe over Covid outbreak in Guangzhou

A task force of municipal and provincial Communist Party disciplinary