'Our senators were abducted,' Akhtar Mengal refuses to support constitutional amendments

BNP leader Akhtar Mengal demands the safe return of missing senators before any talks on amendments.

Akhtar Mengal, leader of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), has alleged that two of his party’s senators have been abducted along with their families, adding that he will not support constitutional amendments currently being discussed in Pakistan.

Speaking to the media outside Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence in Islamabad, Mengal expressed outrage over the government's handling of the situation, questioning why the constitutional changes were being rushed without public transparency.

Mengal further claimed that the family of a female senator had been held hostage to force her attendance at a luncheon with the Prime Minister.

"Is this what respect for the vote looks like?" he asked, adding that it is unacceptable for members of parliament and their families to be subjected to threats and intimidation.

The BNP leader vowed not to participate in any talks on the amendments until his missing senators are safely returned.

He criticised the secrecy surrounding the proposed changes, calling it an attack on democracy and questioning the role of external forces in the matter.

Mengal has stated that his party will consult with the opposition alliance regarding the amendments, maintaining that no constitutional change should be forced under duress.

Constitutional amendments: PTI delegation visits Fazl again

Meanhile, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation has once again visited Maulana Fazlur Rehman's residence to continue discussions on the proposed constitutional amendments.

The PTI delegation, led by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, included prominent figures such as Barrister Salman Akram Raja, Asad Qaiser, and Barrister Syed Ali Zafar. They were also joined by Hamid Raza, chairman of the Sunni Ittehad Council, Express News reported.

During these talks, both sides engaged in detailed discussions on the ongoing constitutional reforms.

The series of meetings comes as consultations intensify, with other political leaders, including Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, also holding separate discussions with Maulana Fazlur Rehman on the matter.

Yesterday, Barrister Gohar stated that a consensus has been nearly reached with JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman regarding the 26th Constitutional Amendment, and a final announcement will be made after consultations with PTI founder Imran Khan.

Speaking to the media following a meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad, Barrister Gohar explained that PTI held a meeting with its allies, including the JUI-F chief, to discuss the constitutional amendments.

He stated that there was a strong possibility of reaching an agreement during the previous talks, and Friday's meeting further solidified that understanding.

"We are still in talks. Once we finalise our position, we will seek Imran Khan’s instructions. Today, we will request a meeting with him, and we aim to meet him tomorrow. Based on his directives, we will announce our final stance," Barrister Gohar said.