PTI delegation meets BNP chief Akhtar Mengal in Quetta

A delegation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by former National Assembly speaker and senior party leader Asad Qaiser, met Akhtar Mengal at his residence in Quetta to discuss political developments in Balochistan and the wider national landscape, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Monday.

According to sources within the Balochistan National Party (BNP), the meeting focused on a range of political issues facing the country, with particular attention given to the situation in Balochistan.

The PTI delegation included Members of the National Assembly Junaid Akbar and Adil Bazai, as well as PTI Balochistan President Daoud. Senior BNP leaders Sajid Tareen and Agha Hassan were also present during the discussions.

Sources said the participants exchanged views on current political affairs and matters of mutual interest. However, no formal statement outlining specific decisions or agreements was issued following the meeting.

Akhtar Mengal is the chairman of a progressive political party, the Balochistan National Party (Mengal), and a former chief minister of Balochistan. He has remained a prominent political figure in the province and has frequently raised concerns regarding political and governance issues in Balochistan.

On September 3, 2024, Mengal handed in his resignation from the National Assembly of Pakistan, citing the deteriorating situation in Balochistan. He was arrested on 24 October 2024 for protesting against reforms. He remained MNA in office from 29 February 2024 to 14 September 2024.

Asad Qaiser, a senior PTI leader and close associate of former prime minister Imran Khan, currently serves as a member of the National Assembly and remains actively involved in the party's political strategy and parliamentary affairs.

Reporter: Essa Tareen