ISLAMABAD: The resignation of Sardar Akhtar Mengal, leader of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), has been officially accepted by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ayaz Sadiq.
According to reports, the acceptance was finalized last night after a prolonged delay, and the resignation will be effective from the date it was submitted. Despite stepping down, Mengal has continued to enjoy the privileges of being a Member of the National Assembly (MNA), including access to a flat in the Parliament Lodges.
Mengal, who was elected from NA-256 Khuzdar in the February 2024 general elections, submitted his resignation on September 3, 2024. He cited the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan and expressed a lack of confidence in the state as reasons for his decision.
During a session of the National Assembly, Mengal publicly announced his resignation and voiced regret for being unable to serve the people of Balochistan effectively. He criticized the system for not providing adequate authority or support to address the province’s issues.
His resignation came amid a wave of violence in August, where militants linked to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) carried out attacks resulting in over 50 deaths, including 14 security personnel. Mengal had previously voiced his frustrations over the ongoing violence and insecurity in the region.
In an attempt to address his grievances, a government team led by Prime Minister’s aide Rana Sanaullah met with Mengal, but he remained firm in his stance.
Mengal’s activism has been longstanding. In July 2024, he was reportedly offloaded from a Dubai-bound flight from Quetta after immigration officials claimed his name was listed on the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL).
In 2025, Mengal staged a 20-day sit-in at Mastung’s Lak Pass to protest the detention of Baloch rights activists and police crackdowns. His party also organized a long march from Wadh to Quetta beginning on March 28, protesting the detention of prominent Baloch leaders and activists, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch.
