Islamabad (Web Desk): Opposition parties have formally submitted a request to Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to appoint Pashtunkhawa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly (NA).
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed that Achakzai’s nomination papers had been submitted to the NA.
This is the second time the party has formally endorsed Achakzai for the opposition leader’s role in the lower house.
The development follows NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s decision to restart the process for filling the position, which has been vacant for almost five months since PTI’s Omar Ayub was disqualified in August 2025.
Speaking to newsmen inside the NA, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that Achakzai’s name was presented as a consensus choice for the position and expressed full confidence in the party leadership.
He said that Achakzai is expected to receive formal notification as opposition leader by Thursday.
Gohar added that the verification of the nomination papers should be completed by Wednesday and confirmed that Achakzai is currently the only nominee for the post.
On questions about internal divisions within PTI, Barrister Gohar rejected the notion of a forward bloc and reaffirmed Imran Khan’s unchallenged leadership.
“Khan Sahib was, is, and will continue to be the PTI chairman,” he said, stressing that no decision by the party’s apex committee can override Khan’s authority.
Meanwhile, leaders from PTI also met with the Speaker to discuss the legal and constitutional procedures regarding the matter.
PTI's Amir Dogar also confirmed that all necessary documents have been submitted in accordance with the procedure outlined by the Speaker.
Former NA speaker Asad Qaiser emphasized that there should be no unnecessary delay in the appointment of the opposition leader and urged that the matter be resolved promptly.