Balochistan National Party (BNP-M) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal resigned from the National Assembly on Tuesday, citing the deteriorating situation in Balochistan and expressing his lack of confidence in the state, the president, and the prime minister.
Mengal, who was elected as an MNA from Khuzdar (NA-256) in the general elections on February 8, announced his resignation during a National Assembly session, saying, “I made this decision after witnessing the situation of Balochistan.”
His resignation, which is pending approval, comes amidst rising security tensions in Balochistan, where recent months have seen a surge in deadly attacks and protests against enforced disappearances. Mengal expressed regret over his inability to help the people of Balochistan and stated his distrust in the system, remarking that they had not been given the authority to govern for a year.
Mengal criticized the assembly for its lack of interest in Balochistan’s issues, noting, “Every time this issue is raised, we face a blackout.”
“This assembly does not listen to us, so what’s the point of sitting here?” He added, “Balochistan has not just slipped; it’s already gone. Many lives have been lost in Balochistan. Everyone should have come together on this issue.”
Mengal also highlighted the need for a meeting to discuss the matter and condemned the lack of open dialogue in Balochistan.