n the resource-rich Balochistan, the political landscape is marred by cries of deprivation and a plethora of controversies. Ethnic nationalist politicians mostly raise their voices on these issues. Over the years these politicians have come to dominate the politics of Balochistan. Among them, Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal stands out with a formidable presence. As president of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal, and a former chief minister of the province, Mengal’s political journey has been closely intertwined with the narrative of Baloch nationalism. His recent election to the National Assembly from Khuzdar underscores his ongoing relevance in the regional and national political arenas.

Akhtar Mengal’s politics is deeply rooted in the assertion of Baloch rights and the quest for greater autonomy within the federation. His advocacy extends beyond mere political rhetoric, touching upon the distressing and pressing issue of ‘missing persons’ — a term that has come to symbolise the allegedly state-enforced disappearances affecting numerous Baloch families. Mengal’s visible commitment to these issues has cemented his standing as a key Baloch nationalist politician, a role that resonates with the historical struggle of his people.

The dynamics within the BNP-M reflect a broad trend observed in most Pakistani political outfits, where a charismatic leader often supersedes institutional democracy. The BNP-M, significantly shaped by Mengal’s persona, seems poised to continue this tradition. Following in the footsteps of his father, the late Sardar Attaullah Mengal, a towering figure in the 20^th Century Baloch politics, Akhtar Mengal’s leadership style and political strategies are central to BNP-M’s identity and operations. This concentration of authority has shaped the party’s structure, where dissent is seldom aired publicly and leadership succession appears predetermined. Mengal’s son is being groomed as his likely heir.

The abysmal electoral performance of the BNP-M in the February 2024 elections marked a significant downturn. The party has secured fewer seats compared even to its 2018 tally. This decline can be attributed to several strategic missteps. First, the party’s indirect support for the government led by Quddus Bizenjo, deemed ineffective by many, tarnished its image. The Bizenjo government was widely believed to be incompetent. Its reign was marred by bad governance. Mengal’s party propped up that government and was alleged to have benefited from it. This caused disappointment among the core supporters of the BNP-M, of whom many did not trust the party with their votes this time.

Second, the BNP-M’s involvement in the Pakistan Democratic Movement government during 2022-23 further complicated its political stance. The party actively supported the toppling of Imran Khan’s government and then accepted two ministries in the PDM government. It also managed to appoint the governor in Balochistan. While the BNP-M enjoyed government positions, the core problems of Balochistan remained unaddressed. This too alienated some of its supporters.

Following in his father’s footsteps, the late Sardar Attaullah Mengal — a towering figure in the 20th Century Baloch politics, Akhtar Mengal’s leadership style and political strategies are central to BNP-M’s identity and operations.

Third, the boycott call by Mahrang Baloch of the Baloch Yakjehti Community, which advocated for the non-participation of the Baloch populace in the polls, further harmed the party’s prospects. This boycott resonated with a significant segment of the Baloch population, disillusioned with the political framework, which they see as neglectful of their socio-economic and political rights. Since many of the BNP-M’s supporters were influenced by the BYC call, they did not get out to vote on the polling day.

In the aftermath of the electoral debacle, the BNP-M has aligned itself with the PTI-led opposition alliance. BNP-M leaders attended the first political gathering of the alliance in Pishin. Akhtar Mengal, in his speech, called the government “a product of Form-47” and “illegitimate.” This appears to be a good move by Mengal who feels the need to capitalise on the anti-government and pro-PTI political tide. This strategic pivot is indicative of Mengal’s recognition of the need to revitalise his party’s standing and influence in the broader opposition framework. By siding with the PTI, Mengal aims to leverage this alliance to amplify his and his party’s issues on national platforms, potentially galvanising support that transcends his traditional voter base.

Looking forward, the challenges confronting Akhtar Mengal and the BNP-M are manifold. The party’s future hinges not only on navigating the complex interplay of regional and national politics but also on reconciling the need for democratic practices in its ranks. The positions that the BNP-M has taken in the recent past regarding Baloch rights and its alignment with questionable political entities have undoubtedly impacted its credibility and appeal.

Despite these challenges, Mengal’s charisma and entrenched position in Baloch politics suggest that he will continue to be a central figure in the regional political discourse. However, for the BNP-M to regain and enhance its political stature, a recalibration of strategies might be necessary — particularly in fostering a more inclusive and democratic internal party culture and re-engaging with the grassroots concerns of the Baloch populace.

As Balochistan continues to grapple with its complex socio-political issues, leaders like Akhtar Mengal have a crucial role in shaping the direction of the region’s political future. While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, Mengal’s enduring influence and his party’s strategic choices will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of Baloch nationalism and its impact on the broader political landscape of Pakistan.

The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad. He is the lead contributing writer for Nikkei Asia in Pakistan. His X handle is @iAdnanAamir