The head of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), Akhtar Mengal, has announced his resignation from the National Assembly. “It would be better for me to open a snack stall than to remain in this politics,” he said.
During a press conference in Islamabad, Akhtar Mengal said, “Today, I am announcing my resignation from the Assembly. I haven’t shared this with anyone, but I am revealing it now in this press conference.”
Akhtar Mengal stated that he was unable to do anything for his people and that he made this decision after observing the situation in Balochistan. He declared his lack of confidence in the state, the President, and the Prime Minister, saying, “I am expressing a complete lack of confidence in the entire system.”
He further added that there was a lack of interest in addressing the issues of Balochistan and that he was unable to do anything for his people. “Whenever I try to raise this issue, it is blacked out. The government in this country is merely nominal. It would be better for me to open a snack stall than to remain in this politics. I apologize to the 65,000 voters who will be upset with me.”
Sardar Akhtar Mengal also expressed his thoughts on social media, stating, “On the third death anniversary of my father, Sardar Attaullah Mengal, I pay tribute to him by resigning as a member of Parliament. I, Akhtar Mengal, a member of the National Assembly, resign from my position as a member of Parliament.”
He said that the current situation in Balochistan forced him to take this step. “Our province has been continuously ignored by this assembly. Every day, we are further marginalized, leaving us no choice but to reconsider our role. Due to the lack of genuine representation for the people of Balochistan in this assembly, voices like mine cannot bring about any meaningful change.”
He further said that it has become evident that any protest or expression of dissent is always met with opposition. “Our people are either silenced, labeled as traitors, or worse, killed. Under these circumstances, I find it impossible to continue working in this capacity, as my presence here is no longer beneficial to the people I represent.”
He concluded by saying, “Therefore, I request that my resignation be accepted. May Allah protect Balochistan and grant it prosperity.”