Asim Bajwa resigns as CPEC Authority chairman

ISLAMABAD: Lt Gen (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa has stepped down as the chairman of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority, ARY News reported, citing sources.

Bajwa confirmed his departure in a series of tweets saying he will be replaced by Khalid Mansoor as the CPEC Authority head.

“I bow my head before Allah Almighty for giving me an opportunity to raise & steer the important institution of CPEC Authority as one window for all CPEC projects, charting the future direction. [It] wouldn’t have been possible without full confidence& support of the PM & his Govt,” he tweeted.

“The course is set for future progression of CPEC, this journey will go on,” he continued.

“My best wishes to Kahlid Mansoor sb, who is fully equipped to take it forward. CPEC is life line for Pakistan, it will transform us into a progressive and fully developed country InshaAllah.”

The course is set for future progression of CPEC, this journey will go on. My best wishes to Kahlid Mansoor sb, who is fully equipped to take it forward. CPEC is life line for Pakistan, it will transform us into a progressive and fully developed country InshaAllah-2/2

— Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimSBajwa) August 3, 2021

The sources said Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved the appointment of Khalid Mansoor as his special assistant on CPEC.

Taking to Twitter, Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar “welcomed Khalid Mansoor to the team as SAPM for CPEC affairs”. “His vast corporate experience, with extensive work with Chinese companies and his direct involvement in leading some of the biggest CPEC projects makes him an ideal person to lead the next phase of CPEC,” he said.

I welcome khalid mansoor to the team as SAPM for CPEC affairs. His vast corporate experience , with extensive work with Chinese companies and his direct involvement in leading some of the biggest CPEC projects makes him an ideal person to lead the next phase of CPEC

— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) August 3, 2021

He also thanked Asim Saleem Bajwa “for his services in moving CPEC forward and playing a vital role in broadening of the CPEC scope with a transition to second phase of CPEC”.

“His dedication and commitment was a source of great strength and support,” the minister added.