Islamabad (Web Desk): Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal on Tuesday resigned as Member of the National Assembly (MNA) over worsening situation in Balochisthan.
His resignation comes amid heightened security tensions in Balochistan after recent deadly attacks and increased protests over past months against enforced disappearances.
The veteran politician announced the decision of his resignation in press conference at the Parliament alongside Mehmood Khan Achakzai.
Mengal said that he had decided to speak in the Assembly about Balochistan’s problems, but there is no interest in Balochistan’s matters.
Expressing deep concern over the situation in the province the BNP chief said that the parliamentarians themselves said that Balochistan is slipping from our hands.
"I say Balochistan has not just slipped; it’s already gone. Many lives have been lost in Balochistan. Everyone should have come together on this issue," Mengal noted.
He said that that a meeting should have been called to discuss the matter.
"Whenever this issue is brought up, it’s blacked out. If you disagree with what I say, listen patiently. If you still find my words wrong, I accept any punishment," the senior politician said.
Mengal said that their attempts to speak or protest are "met with hostility. Our people are either silenced, labelled as traitors, or worse, killed."
"Even if you want to encounter or kill me outside Parliament, go ahead, but at least listen. We have no one, and no one listens to us."
"I find it impossible to continue in this capacity, as my presence here no longer serves any purpose for the people I represent," he said.
Sardar Akhtar Mengal was elected as an MNA from NA-256 Khuzdar in the February 8 general elections.