QUETTA: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) here on Tuesday granted bail to Balochistan National Party (BNP) chief and former chief minister Sardar Akhtar Mengal, marking a significant development in a case tied to a political rally held last year.

Judge Muhammad Ali Mubeen approved Mengal’s bail application after listening to arguments from both sides. The court ordered his release against a surety bond of Rs50,000.

The BNP leader personally appeared before the court and remained present throughout the proceedings. His legal team, including advocates Sajid Tareen and Agha Hassan Baloch, argued in fav­our of granting bail. The case stems from a First Information Report (FIR) registered against Mengal in connection with a rally at Shahwani Stadium last year.

Speaking to reporters, the BNP chief struck a critical tone, offering a pointed assessment of the province’s political climate. He said sarcastically that the situation in Balochistan was “normal,” while alleging that key decisions are made by forces “from above”.

He added that electoral processes lack independence, adding that the same powers oversee both the conduct and outcomes of elections.

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2026