ATC grants bail to BNP chief Akhtar Mengal in rally case

QUETTA: An anti-terrorism court in Quetta on Tuesday granted bail to Balochistan National Party (BNP) chief and former chief minister Sardar Akhtar Mengal in a case linked to a political rally held last year.

The order was issued by Judge Muhammad Ali Mubeen, who approved Mengal’s bail plea after hearing arguments from both sides. The court directed that he be released against a surety bond of Rs50,000.

Mengal appeared before the court in person and remained present during the proceedings. His counsel, including advocates Sajid Tareen and Agha Hassan Baloch, argued the case in support of his bail application.

Case linked to Shahwani Stadium rally

The matter relates to a First Information Report registered against the BNP leader over a rally held at Shahwani Stadium last year. The court’s decision marks a development in the proceedings arising from that case.

No further details about the allegations in the FIR were stated in the court proceedings reported on Tuesday, but the case itself is tied to the political gathering at the stadium.

Mengal comments on political situation

After the hearing, Mengal spoke to reporters and made critical remarks about the political environment in Balochistan. He said, in a sarcastic tone, that the situation in the province was normal, while alleging that major decisions were being taken by forces from above.

He also questioned the independence of the electoral process, saying the same powers were responsible for both conducting elections and determining their outcomes.

The BNP chief’s remarks came shortly after the court granted him relief in the case. Tuesday’s hearing was attended by Mengal and his legal team, and concluded with the acceptance of his bail request.

Mengal is the head of the Balochistan National Party and has also served as chief minister of the province. The case in which he secured bail stems from legal action taken in connection with last year’s rally at Shahwani Stadium.

The anti-terrorism court’s order allows his release subject to the submission of the Rs50,000 surety bond set by the court.