Speaker Ayaz Sadiq Issues Official Notification
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq formally notified Tehreek Tahafuz Ayein-e-Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the new opposition leader in the lower house of parliament on Friday. The appointment fills a vacancy that had persisted for several months following the disqualification of his predecessor.
Imran Khan’s Nomination and Predecessor’s Disqualification
Achakzai, who also leads the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), was nominated for the position by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. He replaces PTI’s Omar Ayub, who was disqualified in August 2025 after being convicted and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment in a case related to the May 9 violence.
The notification, issued by National Assembly Acting Secretary Saeed Ahmad Maitla, states: “In pursuance of rule 39 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in NA, 2007, honourable speaker has been pleased to declare Mahmood Khan Achakzai, MNA, as Leader of the Opposition in NA with effect from January 16, 2026.”
Opposition Delegation and Reactions
The official declaration followed a meeting between Speaker Sadiq and a delegation of opposition lawmakers, which included prominent PTI figures such as Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Junaid Akbar, Aamir Dogar, Shahram Khan Tarakai, Latif Khosa, and Jamal Ahsan Khan.
Disqualified former opposition leader Omar Ayub congratulated Achakzai on the appointment via social media, stating: “It is a great singular honour and […] Achakzai sahib will InshahAllah fulfil his responsibilities brilliantly.”
The development marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s parliamentary opposition leadership, with Achakzai now positioned to lead opposition strategy in the National Assembly.
