ISLAMABAD: PTI Patron-in-Chief Imran Khan has once again nominated Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai for the crucial post of Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. The move revives a political debate that first surfaced in August following the disqualification of Omar Ayub Khan.
PTI founder irked by public spat between his sister and KP CM, bars further public outbursts.https://t.co/SVt8gkVQi1
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) October 3, 2025
Key Highlights
- Imran Khan has nominated Mahmood Khan Achakzai for the Leader of Opposition slot in the National Assembly.
- The proposal was confirmed by Senator Ali Zafar after meeting Imran Khan in jail.
- Omar Ayub Khan was disqualified by the Election Commission in August over May 9 cases.
- Earlier, Achakzai’s nomination had faced resistance for being seen as an “outsider”.
- PTI founder also directed KP CM Gandapur and Aleema Khan to end their public spat.
Nomination Revived Amid Political Shifts
Senator Ali Zafar shared the proposal after his meeting with the incarcerated former prime minister. Speaking to the media outside the Toshakhana-2 case hearing, he confirmed that Imran Khan is “still keen” on nominating Achakzai for the National Assembly’s opposition leader slot.
This follows the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision in August to disqualify Omar Ayub Khan from the position due to his conviction in the May 9 cases. Subsequently, PTI nominated Mehmood Khan Achakzai for the National Assembly and party veteran Azam Swati for the Senate.
You May Like To Read: Pakistan Reaffirms Non-Recognition of Israel: MOFA
Initial Pushback and Renewed Interest
The earlier proposal had stirred political debate, with critics questioning why a leader from outside PTI was being considered. Mr. Achakzai, a seasoned politician from Balochistan known for his strong and often critical views on the establishment, remained a divisive choice. The plan was temporarily shelved after internal discussions.
However, Imran Khan’s renewed support indicates a strategic recalibration, signaling possible cross-party coordination in the upcoming parliamentary session.
Internal Party Discipline Reasserted
Separately, Senator Ali Zafar revealed that the PTI founder expressed displeasure over the recent public spat between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan.
Mr. Khan has directed both sides to refrain from further statements against each other to maintain party discipline and unity.
You may like to read: Aleema Khan, Gandapur Clash: PTI Founder Calls for Restraint
Strategic Implications
Mr. Achakzai’s nomination—if formalized—could reshape parliamentary opposition dynamics, bringing a veteran nationalist voice into a leading role at a time of heightened political maneuvering in Islamabad.
You May Like To Read: Communication Blackout Paralyzes AJK as Talks Begin to Ease Crisis
