In a startling revelation, a member of the Provincial Assembly in Balochistan, Arif M. Hasni, has alleged that China has embezzled more than Rs7 billion from the Saindak Copper Gold Project. Addressing the Balochistan Assembly, M. Hasni claimed that Chinese companies are plundering the province’s resources and that they have embezzled billions without any accountability. He further alleged that the Balochistan government is not taking any action due to fear of angering China.
M. Hasni also raised questions about the appointment of the incumbent Managing Director of Saindak Project, Muhammad Raziq Sanjrani. He alleged that Sanjrani was appointed at Grade 22 when he was just 24 years old, which is against the law. M. Hasni accused members of the Provincial Assembly and the National Accountability Bureau of Pakistan of being complicit in the corruption and remaining silent as Chinese companies loot Balochistan’s resources.
It is important to note that the appointment of Muhammad Raziq Sanjrani, who is the brother of Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani, has been controversial since day one. In 2018, the National Accountability Bureau concluded an investigation into Sanjrani’s appointment and found that he was illegally appointed to lead the multi-billion dollar Saindak Project. NAB stated that Sanjrani was appointed on the recommendations of Balochistan’s former Chief Minister Aslam Raisani, with former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani also being complicit in the illegal appointment.
NAB further revealed that Sanjrani was appointed to a 22 Grade position despite lacking the experience and skills required for the position. These allegations of corruption and embezzlement by Chinese companies in Balochistan’s resources are sure to raise concerns and demand for accountability
‘China embezzled Rs7 billion from Saindak project’ – provincial minister
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