Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the leader of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), tendered his resignation from the National Assembly on Tuesday. Elected as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from Khuzdar (NA-256) in the general elections held on February 8, his decision to resign comes against the backdrop of escalating security tensions in Balochistan following recent deadly attacks and increased protests against enforced disappearances.
In his letter addressed to NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Mengal pointed out that the prevailing situation in Balochistan has left him with no choice but to take this step. He highlighted the consistent marginalization and neglect of Balochistan in the National Assembly, expressing his frustration at the lack of genuine representation for the people of Balochistan. The veteran politician emphasized that the hostile response to their attempts to voice concerns and protest, along with the silencing and persecution of their people, has made it increasingly challenging to effect meaningful change through his role in the assembly.
Mengal further stated that under such circumstances, his continued presence in the assembly no longer serves the interests of the people he represents. Additionally, he expressed his hope for the protection and prosperity of Balochistan in his resignation letter. Publicly acknowledging that his resignation might upset thousands of his voters, Mengal apologized to them while rationalizing his decision in light of the systemic issues and injustices prevalent in the political landscape. He criticized the judiciary and politicians for their roles in perpetuating injustice and highlighted his disillusionment with the political system, expressing his intent to step away from politics if his presence was deemed unnecessary.
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Furthermore, in a social media post, Mengal described his resignation as a tribute to his late father, BNP founder Sardar Attaullah Mengal, marking the third anniversary of his father’s passing. He reiterated his stance that the prevailing circumstances in Balochistan compelled him to resign, emphasizing that his role in the assembly had not benefitted the people he represents.
It’s worth noting that Mengal had abstained from voting in the election for the prime minister this year and had backed a candidate supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the presidential polls. He had also played a pivotal role in bringing together six opposition parties to launch the movement Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) in April.
