Mahmood Khan Achakzai notified as opposition leader in National Assembly 

Islamabad (Web Desk): National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Friday officially notified Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, ending a prolonged vacancy of the constitutional post.

To formalize the decision, the Speaker called Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar and Opposition Chief Whip Aamir Dogar to his chamber, where the notification confirming the appointment was handed over to Barrister Gohar.

Achakzai, who is also the head of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), was nominated for the opposition leadership by PTI founder Imran Khan after former opposition leader Omar Ayub was disqualified in connection with the May 9 case.

The move followed a letter sent earlier in the day by PTI Chief Whip Malik Amir Dogar to the Speaker, stating that the opposition members had unanimously agreed on Achakzai’s name. With no other contender submitting nomination papers before the deadline on Tuesday, Achakzai remained the sole candidate.

Independent lawmakers backed by PTI submitted nomination documents in his support, while the verification of signatures on those papers was completed on Wednesday.

According to the notification issued by Acting National Assembly Secretary Saeed Ahmad Maitla, the Speaker, in exercise of powers under Rule 39 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, declared Mahmood Khan Achakzai, MNA, as Leader of the Opposition with effect from January 16, 2026.

Earlier, a PTI delegation comprising Barrister Gohar, Asad Qaiser and Malik Amir Dogar held a meeting with the Speaker, which they later described as positive.

Speaking to reporters, Barrister Gohar said all outstanding issues had been resolved and no objections remained regarding the submitted nomination papers. He added that the verification process would be finalized by Wednesday, after which the formal announcement was expected.

The PTI leader said also remarked that the National Assembly would have an officially designated opposition leader during Friday’s sitting, noting that no alternative nominations had been filed.

He clarified that discussions held in the Speaker’s office did not involve any political negotiations.

On Monday, NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had launched the formal procedure for appointing the opposition leader in line with parliamentary rules, directing opposition members to submit nominations by 3pm on Tuesday. He also instructed opposition parties to resubmit a signed list of members after setting a revised schedule for the process.

Earlier, while speaking on a point of order in the House, PTI Opposition Chief Whip Malik Amir Dogar said that 76 opposition lawmakers had already signed documents endorsing Mahmood Khan Achakzai as Leader of the Opposition and submitted them to the Speaker’s Office.

It is pertinent to mention that the office of the Leader of the Opposition carries key responsibilities, including consultation in important state appointments and playing a central role in parliamentary oversight.

The position had remained under discussion in recent weeks amid evolving parliamentary alignments.