BNP Chief Akhtar Mengal Alleges Security Withdrawal Despite Surviving Two Suicide Attacks

Quetta:Balochistan National Party (BNP) chief and former Chief Minister Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal has claimed that despite surviving two suicide attacks, the government has not only failed to strengthen his security but has also withdrawn official personnel previously assigned to protect him.

Speaking informally to *Online* at Khuzdar House, Quetta, Mengal said he is now forced to rely on private guards for his safety. Senior BNP leader Sajid Tareen Advocate was also present on the occasion.

Mengal recalled that during a peaceful long march and sit-in at Lakpass for the release of missing Baloch women, a suicide attack targeted him. He and his colleagues survived miraculously, but no FIR was registered, nor was any investigation conducted. On September 2, another suicide blast struck after a rally at Shahwani Stadium, killing 15 innocent Baloch citizens and injuring more than 35.

He criticized the authorities for not investigating the Lakpass attack, arguing that negligence led to the second tragedy. “Instead of making my security foolproof, the government withdrew the official guards assigned to me. I am now left to arrange my own protection,” Mengal lamented.

The BNP chief accused the ruling elite—whom he referred to as “Form-47 rulers”—of using fear and insecurity to restrict political activity. However, he vowed to continue BNP’s constitutional and democratic struggle, saying, “We stood by our people during dictatorial regimes, and we will not abandon them now.”

Mengal also rejected the Mines and Minerals Act, saying it facilitated the plunder of Balochistan’s resources. He warned that such exploitation would not be allowed.

Touching on the disputed 2024 elections, he said the results were unacceptable and designed to sideline genuine political leadership. “Once again, the people of Balochistan have been deceived, while their resources are looted and their rights denied,” he added.

Mengal confirmed that an All-Parties Conference (APC) will be held on Sunday to formulate a joint strategy for securing the province’s rights and resources.

On condolences, he noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had called him from China after the attack, while leaders from PPP, JUI-F, and other parties also visited to express solidarity. However, he expressed little faith in the judiciary, saying, “We have gone to court against the Mines and Minerals Act, but we do not expect justice from this system. Perhaps one might find justice in Mohenjo-Daro’s museum, but not in today’s courts.”