The Election Commission of Pakistan has announced the schedule for a by-election in the NA-256 Khuzdar constituency, following the resignation of Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the head of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) Mengal. According to Hum News, polling is set for April 5, 2026, with nomination papers to be submitted between February 20 and 24. The initial list of candidates will be released on February 25, and the scrutiny of nomination papers will be completed by March 4. Candidates will receive their election symbols by March 18, allowing them to commence their campaigns. This by-election is significant as it fills the vacancy left by Mengal, whose resignation was accepted just two days prior to the announcement, despite being submitted in September 2024, as reported by Express News.