Mahmood Khan Achakzai appointed Opposition Leader in National Assembly
ISLAMABAD: Head of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) and chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, has been appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly following approval by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
The appointment came after Achakzai was nominated by PTI founder Imran Khan in the wake of the disqualification of former opposition leader Omar Ayub, who ceased to be a member of the National Assembly.
Following the Speaker’s approval, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar and senior party leader Aamir Dogar were summoned to the Speaker’s chamber, where a PTI delegation formally received the notification confirming Achakzai’s elevation to the post.
PTI had earlier submitted a formal request for the appointment, supported by the signatures of more than 70 members of the National Assembly, and had been urging the Speaker to approve the nomination. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had stated earlier this week that the application would be reviewed in accordance with parliamentary rules.
After verification of lawmakers’ signatures and completion of legal consultations, the Speaker approved the request and issued the official notification.
Political observers believe the Mahmood Khan Achakzai Opposition Leader appointment could pave the way for renewed dialogue between the government and opposition, particularly as Imran Khan has authorised Achakzai along with Allama Nasir Abbas to lead negotiations on behalf of the opposition.
Analysts say Achakzai’s long-standing political experience and cross-party engagements may play a key role in easing political tensions and advancing talks on constitutional and governance-related matters in the coming days.
