Sardar Akhtar Mengal. PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday accepted the resignation of Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief Akhtar Mengal.
According to an official statement, Mengal had tendered his resignation from the National Assembly in September 2024. The Speaker’s office has formally informed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) about the decision.
Further proceedings regarding the vacancy will be conducted in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, proceedings in the National Assembly were suspended shortly after the session began due to lack of quorum.
Opposition member Junaid Akbar pointed out the quorum, prompting the speaker to order a staff count to confirm the required number of lawmakers.
After the count, it was found that the government had not secured the minimum attendance necessary to continue the case. The speaker subsequently suspended the meeting until a quorum is met.
Read: Balochistan has reached the point of no return: Mengal
Later, the National Assembly resumed proceedings after the required quorum was completed, allowing Parliament to continue its legislative business.
In the past, Mengal has criticized the government’s actions, saying that despite approaching the Supreme Court, making speeches in parliament and making proposals at seminars, he and his party were branded “traitors” while those who tried to divide the country faced no punishment.
Addressing a conference, Mengal said the February 8 elections created an artificial leadership in Balochistan.
He cited cases such as Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha, who were sentenced to 17 years over a tweet, and contrasted it with what he described as the impunity of those who violate the country.
He warned that Balochistan has reached a point of no return and held the state responsible for the situation.
