Prime Minister Dahal admits he, as well as other top leaders, knows Satish Lal Acharya, raising questions about political connections influencing Acharya’s share purchase deal.
The parliamentary committee instructs government to halt Axiata’s efforts to sell its shares in the Nepal-based mobile service provider until the completion of a detailed investigation into the matter.
KATHMANDU, Dec 12: The current Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's connection and contact with the operating partners of private telecommunications had blossomed when he became the country’s PM for the first time, leading the government formed after the election of the first Constituent Assembly. Addressing a gathering of journalists close to the CPN (Maoist Center) on Monday, PM Dahal said that he had learned about the Ncell share sale while in Dubai and formed a committee to investigate it upon returning home.
Telecom giant’s share sale is mired in controversy—for its low valuation, charges of poor investment climate and suspected bid to own company even after licence period.
The Nepalese National Telecommunications Authority (NTA) could block Axiata’s exit from Nepal for not notifying the regulator of the sale of its unit Ncell, as the Malaysian operator opted to exit the market due to a tax dispute with the government.