Mahmood Khan Achakzai, head of the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan and chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, has been appointed Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly.
The appointment, proposed by Imran Khan, received formal approval from Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan.
Following the approval, Barrister Gohar and senior PTI leader Aamir Dogar were summoned to the Speaker’s chamber. A PTI delegation, led by the party chairman, met the Speaker and received the official notification confirming Achakzai’s elevation.
The development follows the disqualification of former opposition leader Omar Ayub, who is no longer a member of the National Assembly. After his removal, Imran Khan nominated Achakzai for the position.
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PTI had formally submitted Achakzai’s nomination with the support of signatures from more than 70 National Assembly members. The party had pressed for the appointment for several weeks. Furthermore, the Speaker had earlier said the request would be reviewed. The decision came only after verification of signatures and legal consultations.
Political analysts believe the appointment could help unlock dialogue between the government and the opposition. Imran Khan has authorised Achakzai, alongside Allama Nasir Abbas, to lead negotiations on behalf of the opposition. As a result, there are rising expectations of renewed talks in parliament.
