ISLAMABAD(National times)- National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has officially accepted the resignation of Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the leader of the Balochistan National Party (Mengal). Mengal had tendered his resignation from the National Assembly on September 3, 2024, after representing NA-256 Khuzdar. However, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had delayed the acceptance for over one year and five months. The speaker has informed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) about accepting the resignation of Mengal. In his letter addressed to the speaker, Mengal mentioned that the “prevailing situation in Balochistan has compelled me to take this step.” He wrote that the province has long been marginalised and neglected by the House, adding that each passing day leaves its people increasingly cornered, forcing him to reconsider his role. He said the people of Balochistan lack genuine representation in the House, making it impossible for voices like his to bring about meaningful change. “Whenever they attempt to speak out or protest, they are met with hostility, silenced, branded as traitors, or even killed,” Mengal added. “Under such circumstances, I find it impossible to continue in this capacity, as my presence here no longer serves any purpose for the people I represent,” he wrote. The BNP-M chief also expressed hope that Balochistan would one day be protected and prosper.