Islamabad — After months of anticipation and procedural hurdles, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and leader of the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), has been officially appointed as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, effective January 16, 2026. The development restores a key parliamentary position that had remained vacant since the disqualification of PTI’s Omar Ayub in August 2025.
The notification, issued by the National Assembly Secretariat and seen by Dawn, confirms the appointment following repeated submissions by the opposition and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.
Key Highlights
- Mehmood Khan Achakzai officially declared Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, effective January 16, 2026.
- PTI founder Imran Khan had first nominated Achakzai for the post in August 2025.
- The slot remained vacant for nearly five months after Omar Ayub’s disqualification.
- Opposition submitted Achakzai’s nomination papers in October 2025 and again in January 2026.
- NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq initiated the fresh process on January 6, 2026, after receiving required documents from PTI Chief Whip Amir Dogar.
- Barrister Gohar described the delay as a denial of the opposition’s “right,” but welcomed the final issuance of the notification.
The appointment came during today’s National Assembly session when Speaker Ayaz Sadiq called Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Chief Whip Amir Dogar to his chambers, stating he had a “notification to give.” Gohar later told the media that while the process faced “some issues,” the notification was finally issued today.
Honourable Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has been pleased to declare Mr. Mehmood Khan Achakzai, MNA as Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly. #NASession @AyazSadiq122 @PTVNewsOfficial @RadioPakistan pic.twitter.com/RAkv1dAMEw
— National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) January 16, 2026
The delay had sparked criticism from the opposition, who accused the government of stalling. The Speaker had earlier cited the matter as “sub judice” due to Omar Ayub’s legal challenges against his disqualification, which were later withdrawn. In December, the NA Secretariat sought confirmation of the case status from PTI, paving the way for the process to move forward.
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Under Rule 39 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, the Speaker has the authority to request a name from the opposition, after which it can be formally submitted.
This appointment strengthens the opposition’s voice in the lower house at a time when parliamentary debate on national issues remains vital. With Achakzai now in place as a seasoned parliamentarian and head of TTAP, the opposition is expected to play a more structured role in holding the government accountable while contributing to legislative work.
The move reflects the importance of constitutional processes in upholding democratic norms and ensuring balanced representation in Pakistan’s Parliament. As the National Assembly continues its session, all eyes are on how this new leadership dynamic will shape upcoming debates.
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