QUETTA: Balochistan National Party (BNP) President and former Balochistan Chief Minister Sardar Akhtar Mengal on Monday filed a petition in the Balochistan High Court challenging the government`s decision to place his name on Provisional National Identification List, a temporary travel restriction.

The petition was filed on Mengal`s behalf by BNP`s Advocate Sajid Tareen.

A day earlier, authorities at Quetta airport prevented the BNP chief from boarding a flight to Dubai, citing his inclusion on the no-fly list.

During a press conference at the Quetta Press Club, Mr Tareen alleged the action was political retaliation for Mr Mengal`s `refusal to compromise on regional rights`.

He said the goal was `to force them to abandon their principled stance on Balochistan`s rights and resource control`.