Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief Akhtar Mengal was stopped from boarding a Dubai-bound flight by immigration authorities on Sunday. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) stated that his name had been placed on the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL), restricting his travel. Mengal later shared a screenshot on social media showing that the order was issued “with the approval of the competent authority,” instructing officials to prevent him from leaving the country.
The politician expressed frustration over the move, questioning its legality. Former federal minister Agha Hasan Baloch and Ghulam Nabi Mari strongly condemned the action, calling it unconstitutional. Baloch emphasized that Mengal was still a member of the National Assembly, as his resignation had not yet been formally accepted.
Mengal, a prominent Baloch leader, had resigned from the NA in September 2024, citing the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan. His party has been actively protesting against enforced disappearances and police crackdowns on activists. Earlier this year, he led a 20-day sit-in at Mastung’s Lak Pass, demanding justice for detained rights campaigners.
In March, the BNP-M organized a long march from Wadh to Quetta, protesting the arrests of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch. The party has repeatedly called for their release, accusing authorities of suppressing dissent in the region.