Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP) chief Akhtar Mengal has reiterated his decision to resign from Parliament, despite efforts by several political parties to dissuade him.
Mengal, who has been an outspoken critic of the government’s handling of Balochistan’s issues, expressed surprise at the refusal of political parties to accept his resignation, as he no longer intends to remain a part of the current Parliament.
“I have already resigned, and I have no intention of staying in this Parliament,” Mengal stated. “They believe they can persuade me to change my mind, seek my forgiveness, and admit to their mistakes. But they don’t need to apologise to me; they need to apologise to the people of Balochistan. They must acknowledge the pain they have caused by taking away their loved ones. They must seek forgiveness from Sami and Mahrang, whom they killed when all they wanted was to engage in dialogue.”
Mengal stressed that he is not just representing himself but the entire population of Balochistan. “I am not merely Akhtar Mengal; I am a part of these people. When you apologise to them, you will have also apologised to me,” he said, drawing attention to the larger grievances of the province.
While he made it clear that he holds no personal vendetta against anyone, he said his conscience has driven him to make this decision. “I tried to explain the issues to everyone, but they are not willing to address Balochistan’s problems,” he explained, signalling frustration over the lack of progress on key matters affecting the province.
Mengal, who was out of the country, said he returned specifically to relieve himself of the burden that had weighed on him for months. “Now, I am free,” he declared, expressing hope that others would soon come to realise the gravity of the situation before it’s too late.
“I am now on a flight. Goodbye, Parliament—perhaps we will meet again when the rule of law is established,” he concluded, bidding farewell to his political role.
