QUETTA: Levies authorities have registered a first information report (FIR) in connection with the killing of Mir Attaur Rehman Mengal, naming Sardar Asadullah Mengal and Sardarzada Gurgain Mengal among the accused.

Mr Asadullah is the nephew of Balochistan National Party (BNP) President Sardar Akhtar Mengal, while Mr Gurgain is his son.

Among other accused are Abdul Salam Mengal, Azharuddin and Mir Khan.

Mr Rehman, the son of former Balochistan caretaker chief minister and ex- ambassador to Qatar Mir Naseer Mengal, was gunned down a few days ago in an armed attack in the Aranji area of tehsil Wadh.

His son, Matiur Rehman, sustained injuries in the attack.

Attaur Rehman was gunned down in armed attack a few days ago

According to the FIR lodged at the Levies station in Aranji by complainant Mohammad Jan, the incident occurred at Mr Rehman’s residence in the Owak area.

The FIR stated that Mr Rehman was present at the residence with his son and other men when the attackers forcibly entered the house and opened fire before fleeing the scene in vehicles.

Mr Rehman died on the spot while his son suffered a gunshot wound to his hand.

The case has been registered under Sections 302 (murder), 324 (attempted murder), 147 (rioting), 148 (armed rioting) and 149 (unlawful assembly) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Condemnation

The BNP has strongly condemned the FIR and the issuance of notices by the Federal Investigation Agency.

In a statement, the party denounced the move as a blatant act of political revenge. It claimed that the action was a direct consequence of the BNP’s vocal stance against the illegal detention of Dr Mahrang Baloch, chief organiser of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, and other political prisoners.

“Instead of addressing the issues raised by the party, the authorities are targeting Sardar Akhtar Mengal’s entire family in retaliation,” the statement said.

The BNP also expressed outrage over the notice issued to Sardar Mengal’s wife, who has been severely ill for the past five years, terming it a disgraceful act.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to a principled political struggle, stating that it had always advocated for a national democratic movement — whether under military rule or civilian governments.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2025