Balochistan's first CM Sardar Attaullah Mengal who advocated its independence dies aged 93

The first-ever Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sardar Ataullah Mengal, breathed his last on Thursday. The veteran politician had been unwell and was admitted to a private hospital in Karachi for treatment last week, where he passed away on Thursday, as per his family's statement. In the statement, his family added that the mortal remains of the late leader will be transported from Karachi to his hometown, Wadh, in Khuzdar. His funeral will be held on Friday.

Condolences pour in for the late Balochistan leader

Sardar Ataullah Mengal's life history

Born in 1929 in Lasbela, Sardar Ataullah Mengal moved to Karachi at an early age. Because of his great work and influence, he was declared the chief of the Mengal tribe in 1954. Mir Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo, a founding member of the National Awami Party (NAP), introduced him to politics. 

In 1960, he was elected as a member of the national assembly. Within 12 years of being elected, in May 1972, Mengal became the first chief minister of Balochistan and remained in that position until he was dismissed by then Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in February 1973.

According to an article by Herald in 1973, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s PPP defeated NAP’s government in Balochistan and called a meeting of the politicians to inform them that he would form a new government after coming back from a holiday but Mengal demanded that the provincial government be formed immediately. 

Mengal’s words infuriated Bhutto, who then questioned him of his response to the demand not being met. In response, Mengal said, “I would struggle against the injustices inflicted upon the Baloch and stand against you.”