In a significant political move, Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the chief of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), tendered his resignation from the National Assembly on Tuesday. Mengal, who was elected as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from Khuzdar (NA-256) during the general elections held on February 8, cited the ongoing unrest and the marginalization of Balochistan as the primary reasons for his decision.
The veteran politician’s resignation, which is yet to be accepted, comes at a time of heightened security concerns in Balochistan, following a series of deadly attacks and growing protests against enforced disappearances. In a letter addressed to National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Mengal expressed that the “prevailing situation in Balochistan has compelled me to take this step.”
Mengal’s letter emphasized the consistent marginalization of Balochistan by the National Assembly. He wrote, “Each day, we are pushed further against the wall, leaving us with no choice but to reconsider our roles. The lack of genuine representation in this Assembly for the people of Balochistan has left voices like mine unable to bring meaningful change.”
He also lamented the hostile environment faced by those who try to raise their voices for the province. “It has become increasingly clear that our attempts to speak or protest are met with hostility, our people are either silenced, labelled as traitors, or worse, killed,” Mengal stated.
While speaking to the press outside Parliament, Mengal acknowledged that his resignation might upset thousands of voters but expressed his apologies to them. He criticized the judiciary for failing to deliver justice and condemned politicians for making politics a business. He remarked, “The biggest murderers are politicians who have made a business out of politics.”
Mengal further revealed that he had conveyed his discontent in a meeting at the Prime Minister House on July 23, where he indicated that he would leave politics if his presence was not needed. In a light-hearted comment, he said, “It is better to open a shop of pakoras than to do such politics.”
The resignation also holds personal significance for Mengal. In a post on X, he described his resignation as a “tribute” to his father, Sardar Attaullah Mengal, the founder of BNP, on the third anniversary of his death.
The political landscape in Balochistan remains tense as Mengal’s resignation adds to the ongoing challenges faced by the province. His decision to step down underscores the frustration and sense of disenfranchisement felt by many in Balochistan.
