NA speaker accepts Akhtar Mengal’s resignation

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has accepted the resignation of Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal, bringing to an end a more than 17-month delay in processing the lawmaker’s departure from parliament.

Mengal, who was elected from constituency NA-256 (Khuzdar) in the February 2024 general election, originally tendered his resignation on September 3, 2024, citing frustration with what he described as the deteriorating security situation and political marginalisation of Balochistan.

The speaker’s office said the resignation would take effect retrospectively from the original submission date and that Mengal may be required to return salaries and allowances he received after that date.

The National Assembly Secretariat has notified the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which is expected to announce a by-election schedule for the now vacant seat.

Mengal’s delayed resignation had left uncertainty over the status of the Khuzdar seat and his parliamentary privileges.

During the intervening period, he continued to exercise the rights of a member of the lower house.

The BNP-M chief’s departure removes a prominent nationalist voice from the federal legislature at a time of ongoing tensions in Balochistan, where political grievances and security challenges have been persistent issues.