Dawood Ahmed:
ISLAMABAD: Sardar Akhtar Mengal, leader of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), resigned from his position as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) on Tuesday. Mengal, who was elected from Khuzdar (NA-256) in the general elections held on February 8, cited the ongoing security challenges in Balochistan and the government’s neglect of the province as reasons for his decision.
Mengal’s resignation, which is pending acceptance, comes during a period of heightened security tensions following recent deadly attacks and ongoing protests. In a letter addressed to National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Mengal stated that the “current situation in Balochistan has forced me to take this step.”
He expressed frustration with the marginalization and neglect faced by Balochistan in the National Assembly, stating that the lack of genuine representation had rendered voices like his ineffective in bringing about meaningful change. Mengal also highlighted the hostility and dangers faced by those who attempt to speak out, noting that individuals are often silenced, labeled as traitors, or even killed.
Under these circumstances, Mengal felt that continuing in his role as an MNA no longer served the people he represented. He requested the NA Speaker to accept his resignation and expressed hope for the protection and prosperity of Balochistan.
