Mir Shafiq-ur-Rehman Mengal, a prominent political and tribal figure from Khuzdar, remained safe following a major suicide attack targeting his residence, while an intense armed confrontation continued for nearly two and a half hours, according to his spokesperson.
Nadeem-ur-Rehman Muhammad Shahi, spokesperson for Mir Shafiq-ur-Rehman Mengal, confirmed in an exclusive statement that the attack was carried out at Mengal’s residence and that the ensuing exchange of fire was personally monitored by Mir Shafiq Mengal himself.
According to the spokesperson, between 12 and 14 associates were killed during the attack, while several others sustained injuries. He stated that the attackers used heavy weapons during the assault, leading to a prolonged gun battle between the attackers and defenders. The spokesperson further claimed that five suicide attackers were killed during the attack and subsequent clashes.
The banned militant organization Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the suicide attack. The attack has once again highlighted the ongoing security challenges faced by Balochistan, where militant organizations have repeatedly targeted political figures, security personnel, and public representatives.
Security officials and local authorities are assessing the full scope of the incident, while investigations into the attack and the identity of those involved are underway.
The nature of the assault, including the use of suicide attackers and heavy weaponry, reflects the evolving tactics employed by militant groups operating in the region. Mir Shafiq-ur-Rehman Mengal is a well-known and highly influential figure in the political, tribal, and security landscape of Balochistan, particularly in Khuzdar and Wadh. He belongs to a prominent political family and is the son of former federal minister and senior Balochistan politician Mir Naseer Mengal. His family has maintained significant tribal and political influence in the Khuzdar and Wadh areas for decades.
Although Mir Shafiq Mengal has not held a major constitutional, governmental, or ministerial office, he has remained active in regional politics and tribal affairs. He has participated in electoral politics, contesting provincial and national assembly seats as an independent candidate and through local political alliances. Over the years, he has emerged as an influential local figure due to his tribal background, political activities, and involvement in regional affairs.
Mir Shafiq Mengal has also been associated with the establishment of a local armed group known as “Armed Defence Organization” or Balochistan Armed Defence. His supporters have maintained that the organization was formed to resist attacks by banned Baloch separatist groups and to support the defence of Pakistan’s territorial integrity. However, his name has remained a subject of controversy in Balochistan due to longstanding tribal rivalries, political disputes, and security-related allegations.
Mir Shafiq-ur-Rehman Mengal remains one of the most discussed figures in Balochistan’s political and tribal environment. His influence extends beyond electoral politics into traditional tribal structures and regional security dynamics. The latest attack against him represents another significant incident in the province’s continuing struggle against militancy and instability.
Authorities are expected to further investigate the attack, strengthen security measures, and determine the full extent of the militant network involved in the assault.
