BNPM chief, leaders booked under ATA

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad police have registered a case against Balochistan National Party (Mengal) chief, Akhtar Mengal, and five other party leaders under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), along with seven other charges.

The case was filed following a complaint by the joint secretary of the Senate Secretariat, Jameel Ahmed The case was filed following a complaint by the joint secretary of the Senate Secretariat, Jameel Ahmed Khoso, accusing the party leadership of illegal actions during the Senate session. Sardar Akhtar Mengal, Shafi Muhammad, Ahmed Nawaz, Mir Jehanzeb Mengal, Akhtar Hussain Lango and Shafiq Tabani were nominated in the first information report (FIR), lodged under 7 Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 506-II, 452, 353, 186, 148, and 149 of Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

The FIR alleges that Mengal and other BNP leaders, who reportedly used an unlawful route, were armed and entered the Senate’s visitors’ gallery without authorisation on October 22. During the session, which was called for approval of 26th Constitutional Amendment, the leaders allegedly attempted to influence Senate members Qasim Ronjho and Naseema Ehsan, urging them to oppose the amendment.

The complaint also claimed that the BNP leaders coerced Senator Qasim Ronjho to hold a press conference after the passage of the amendment, further accusing the group of creating disturbance in the Senate.

The case was officially lodged at the Secretariat Police Station on October 23, marking a significant escalation in the political tensions surrounding the BNP’s opposition to the constitutional amendment. The BNP leadership is yet to respond to the charges. The FIR reads as under: “Complaint regarding mishandling and stoppage from performing of official duty.

“This is brought up into your notice that the Senate session held on 22nd October, 2024, unauthorised individuals namely Shafi Muhammad, Ahmed Nawaz, Mir Jehanzeb Mengal, Akhtar Hussain Lango and Shafiq Tabani tried to enter into Senate galleries and lobbies without permission. “It was reported that they were accompanying Sardar Akhtar Mengal. When the Senate security staff tried to stop them, they scuffled and forcefully pushed the security staff in the Senate hall. “This act constitutes under interference and prohibiting the Senate staff from doing official work. It was also reported that they were carrying weapons. You are required to take action against the above-mentioned individuals as admissible by law.” Later on, according to sources, the federal capital police arrested one of the BNP leaders, Akhtar Hussain Lango, nominated in the FIR. However, Akhtar Mengal left for Dubai on Thursday morning.