Islamabad — Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) chief Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas has been formally appointed as Leader of the Opposition in the Senate on January 20, 2026, ending a months-long delay that followed the vacancy created by the disqualification of the previous holder.
The appointment came after Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani announced it during the day’s session, citing Rule 16 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012. Senator Abbas, nominated by PTI founder Imran Khan and backed by opposition members, secured the support of 22 out of 32 opposition senators.
علامہ راجہ ناصر عباس سینیٹ میں اپوزیشن لیڈر مقرر، چیئرمین سینیٹ نے نوٹیفکیشن جاری کردیا۔۔!! pic.twitter.com/Vuti8JlDDd
— Khurram Iqbal (@khurram143) January 20, 2026
Key Highlights
- Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani declared Senator Raja Nasir Abbas as opposition leader with immediate effect on January 20, 2026.
- The Senate Secretariat issued a formal notification under sub-rule (3) of Rule 16 of the Senate’s Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, 2012.
- Abbas secured support from 22 opposition members out of 32 on the benches.
- The position had remained vacant since August 2025 after PTI’s Syed Shibli Faraz was disqualified by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
- PTI nominated Abbas for the role in October 2025 following Faraz’s disqualification linked to May 9, 2023 cases.
- The delay stemmed from legal challenges and court proceedings, including restraining orders from the Peshawar High Court.
- Gilani emphasized the deferment was due to institutional prudence and respect for judicial authority.
- Abbas addressed the House in his maiden speech as opposition leader, crediting Imran Khan and pledging commitment to national interest and constitutional principles.
Background of the Delay
The opposition leader’s post fell vacant in August 2025 when the ECP disqualified Shibli Faraz — along with PTI’s then-NA opposition leader Omar Ayub — over convictions tied to the May 9, 2023 riots. PTI nominated Abbas in October 2025, but the matter stayed pending due to ongoing court cases and procedural reviews. Senate Chairman Gilani explained that earlier hesitation ensured no action conflicted with judicial proceedings, upholding the rule of law and parliamentary discipline.
Maiden Address and House Proceedings
In his first speech as opposition leader, Senator Abbas thanked Imran Khan for nominating him and described himself as a loyal companion committed to principles and his senatorial oath. He stressed the need for all institutions to respect constitutional boundaries — legislature, judiciary, and executive — without interference, calling the Constitution a sacred social contract. Abbas highlighted Pakistan’s challenges, including lawlessness, and urged collective efforts from the government, opposition, and citizens to ensure justice and public welfare. He appreciated the treasury benches for their warm welcome, noting it as a positive gesture toward collaborative legislation for the people’s benefit.
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Amid the announcement, opposition senators thumped desks and raised slogans in support of Imran Khan. Gilani congratulated Abbas and directed the secretary to issue the notification immediately. Abbas then moved to his new seat amid applause and handshakes from fellow senators.
Significance for Parliamentary Functioning
The appointment restores full institutional balance in the Senate after a prolonged vacancy. It follows a similar development in the National Assembly, where PTI-nominated Mehmood Khan Achakzai took the opposition leader role just days earlier. Observers see this as a step toward stronger oversight and debate in parliament, vital for addressing national issues in a unified manner.
Pakistan’s democratic process continues to demonstrate resilience — even amid challenges — as key positions are filled in line with procedural rules and parliamentary tradition. The nation looks forward to the opposition playing its constructive role in safeguarding public interest and constitutional values.
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